How does bipolar affect you physically?

The physical symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
Heart palpitations. Increased pulse. High blood pressure. Increased or decreased sex drive.


Can bipolar disorder cause physical pain?

Chronic pain is common in bipolar depressed patients, and it is related to sleep disorders and delayed diagnosis of their disorder. More attention should be paid to study the presence of pain in bipolar depressed patients, in order to achieve more accurate diagnoses and to provide better treatment options.

How does bipolar affect you intellectually?

Effects on thinking and memory

Some people with bipolar disorder may find it harder to think, to reason, and to remember things. Changes in thinking that can occur as people go through the different phases include: changes in attention span and focus. racing thoughts during a high, or manic, phase.


How does bipolar affect body systems?

Anxiety might impact your cardiovascular system when you have bipolar illness and anxiety. Heart palpitations, a quick heart rate, and an elevated pulse are examples of this. Blood pressure that is higher than normal is also possible.

What causes bipolar to flare up?

Factors such as stress, poor sleep, and even seasonal changes can play a role in triggering your bipolar symptoms. Learn how you can reduce your risk of bipolar episodes and better manage your condition.


Bipolar disorder (depression & mania) - causes, symptoms, treatment & pathology



What does untreated bipolar turn into?

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as: Problems related to drug and alcohol use. Suicide or suicide attempts. Legal or financial problems.

What are the advantages of being bipolar?

Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].

How does bipolar affect social skills?

People with bipolar disorder have fewer social interactions and smaller social networks than healthy comparison subjects (5, 6) and are less likely to achieve social milestones such as marriage or equivalent relationships than the population as a whole (7).


Do bipolar people have memory issues?

What's more, many people with bipolar disorder report memory loss and or difficulty remembering things. These individuals may have trouble with short and long-term memory, struggle to think things through at a quick speed, and have difficulty thinking outside of the so-called box.

How can you tell if someone is bipolar?

Symptoms - Bipolar disorder
  1. feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.
  2. lacking energy.
  3. difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
  4. loss of interest in everyday activities.
  5. feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.
  6. feelings of guilt and despair.
  7. feeling pessimistic about everything.
  8. self-doubt.


What does a bipolar episode look like?

Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.


How can you tell if someone is faking mania?

However, some indications of faking mental illness can include exaggerating any existing symptoms, making up medical or psychological histories, causing self-harm, tampering with medical tests, or malingering.

What does severe bipolar feel like?

People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.

Is being angry part of bipolar?

Anger isn't a symptom of bipolar disorder, but many people who have the disorder, as well as their family and friends, may report frequent bouts with the emotion. For some people with bipolar disorder, irritability is perceived as anger and may become as severe as rage.


Is living with bipolar disorder hard?

A person who has bipolar disorder also experiences changes in their energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep. During bipolar mood swings, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, work, go to school, and maintain relationships.

Do bipolar people miss social cues?

The researchers concluded that the participants with bipolar disorder had difficulty recognizing emotional cues in others. In a different 2012 study , people with bipolar disorder had difficulty recognizing and responding to facial expressions associated with specific emotions.

Are people with bipolar high functioning?

A 2020 study suggests that nearly 23% of those with bipolar disorder could be considered high functioning. If you have high functioning bipolar disorder (HFBD), you might be able to manage your bipolar disorder symptoms and complete your daily responsibilities and functions.


Do people with bipolar struggle socially?

People with bipolar disorder often experience social anxiety. Learn why this can be a dangerous combination and how it changes your treatment. Bipolar disorder, which is sometimes called manic-depressive illness, causes severe mood swings that can make daily functioning difficult.

Does bipolar qualify for disability?

Both the ADA and SSA consider bipolar disorder a disability. That qualifies you to get extra protection and benefits under the law. To start the process, talk with your doctor. You will need documents to prove to the government that bipolar disorder affects your ability to work.

What is the quality of life for someone with bipolar disorder?

Individuals with bipolar disorder frequently experience lower quality of life and worse functioning than the general population (Abraham et al. 2014; Sierra et al. 2005; Sylvia et al. 2013), even when not in a mood episode (Fulford et al.


Is bipolar a serious health condition?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it go through unusual mood changes. They go from very happy, "up," and active to very sad and hopeless, "down," and inactive, and then back again. They often have normal moods in between.

What helps a bipolar person calm down?

Long-term management
  • Sticking to a treatment plan. Effectively managing bipolar disorder is the best way to reduce irritability and anger. ...
  • Journaling to understand triggers. ...
  • Planning with loved ones. ...
  • Managing stress. ...
  • Trying cognitive behavioral therapy. ...
  • Adjusting medication.


Can I live with bipolar without medication?

If You Have Bipolar Disorder and Don't Take Medication

You may experience more severe symptoms: If you don't take medication for bipolar disorder, you may experience more severe symptoms. This can lead to a greater risk of hospitalization or suicide.


What happens if you don't medicate bipolar?

When left untreated, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder will often increase in severity and may lead to suicide; there is a high suicide rate for people with the disorder. When treated, it's possible to control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and enjoy a more stable and fulfilling life.