Bipolar disorder has characteristic symptoms of alternating phases of mania and depression. There can also be hypomania episodes and these phases might not always be cyclical. Bipolar can also present itself with mixed episodes. Hence, correct diagnosis becomes critical for planning medicinal treatment.
With mixed features of bipolar, you can experience 2-3 symptoms of mania during the depressive phase and vice versa. Such a bipolar disorder can have more critical consequences with symptoms occurring for longer durations and the gap between two phases being very short.
Consult psychiatrist or other experts in your area to know your symptoms and get treatment for the same. Diagnosing bipolar disorder symptoms is critical and reliable doctors at A Mission for Michael can help you with the same. Located in Orange County, this clinic has served many patients before and has helped them to live a life free from the symptoms of mental disorders.
Mixed feature bipolar symptoms
1. Mixed manic symptoms:
- You might feel like you are losing touch with reality.
- You can feel sad or tearful.
- Guilt and a sense of worthlessness might engrave your thoughts.
- Slow speech and movement can be mixed with episodes of rapid speech and racing thoughts.
- No energy to perform regular activities.
- Lack of control over strong emotions and a heightened level of irritability.
- Suicidal ideation is accompanied by laughing uncontrollably.
- Anxiety or increased energy levels can be felt along with loss of hope.
2. Mixed depressive symptoms:
- Rapid speech and not being able to talk on a single topic.
- Excitement simultaneously occurring with extreme sadness.
- You can feel euphoria and guilt at the same time.
- Lacking focus and having difficulty in falling and maintaining sleep.
- Feeling empty and distracted.
While normal bipolar treatment is focused on treating the symptomatic phase which you are currently experiencing, for mixed features treatment protocol will include treating both simultaneously. Stress management activities along with therapy and medicines can help you feel at ease.
Life with a bipolar family member
It can be difficult to navigate these phases if you are a parent, sibling, or child of a family member who is suffering from bipolar disorder. However, you can cope by reaching out for help from other friends, relatives, or even doctors. Feelings uncertain or guilty while taking self-time can occur when you are caring for a loved one. You might also get anxious when you witness extreme mood shifts of someone suffering from bipolar.
You must use resources to learn about the symptoms of this disorder and get awareness regarding what should you expect when someone you love gets into a manic or depressive phase. Ensuring that they are regular with their therapies and medicines is one way to keep the symptoms in control.
It can be frustrating at times which is again completely normal. Spending time outside the home environment with friends can prevent feeling of frustration and hopelessness. Take space when you are not able to handle the circumstances. However, be alert and contact emergency if you see any alarming behavior.
