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Signs that Bipolar Disorder Is Out of Control

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Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that can vary in intensity. If you or someone you love has bipolar disorder, it is important to make sure you are pursuing holistic health and receiving an appropriate level of treatment. There is a wide array of treatment options — outpatient to inpatient, talk therapy to medication — but seeking out treatment is an important step for anyone wanting to manage and/or overcome the symptoms of the disorder.

Helping yourself by reaching out for support and intervention for your bipolar disorder will help you live a happier, more productive life.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

If you struggle with symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to understand when it is time to seek supportive treatment. The following are signs that your bipolar disorder may be causing a serious problem in your life:

 

  • Self-destructive behaviors – Self-destructive behaviors may be a result of either mania or depression. A self-destructive person may do things that harm the quality of life, such as have an extra-marital affair, drive recklessly, commit a crime, suddenly quit a job, drop out of school or start arguments with loved ones.
  • Self-injury – Similar to self-destructive behaviors, self-injury or self-harm involves harming yourself by cutting, burning or otherwise injuring yourself. Self-injury can be dangerous and deadly and requires immediate assistance.
  • Suicidal feelings – Sometimes the highs of mania become a violent rage, or the lows of depression become overwhelming. If you experience any thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.
  • Damage to relationships – Bipolar disorder can cause a person to behave erratically. Arguments or relationship problems lead many people to seek treatment. Abusive behavior toward loved ones is a serious sign of trouble.
  • Breaks from reality – If you become so manic that you begin to act strangely, hallucinate or experience unusual personality changes, it is time to seek help. Similarly, if you become so depressed that you begin to experience strange phenomena or lose touch with reality, seek help immediately.
  • Rage and panic – Panic and rage are strong emotions that do not easily smooth over. If your rage makes you dangerous or your panic becomes overwhelming or inhibits your life, it is time to seek treatment.
  • Drug or alcohol abuse – Substance abuse usually harms users. If you have bipolar disorder, substance use can make mood swings even more dangerous.1

 

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Don’t let bipolar disorder destroy your life. There is help available. If you or someone you love has been affected by bipolar disorder, specialized treatment is the best way to pursue a healthy future.

Integrated treatment programs are designed to treat both bipolar disorder and substance abuse at the same time. Specialty rehab programs are available to help combat all versions of bipolar disorder including cyclothymia, rapid cycling bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety or mania.

Finding Help for Bipolar Disorder

Please call our 24-hour helpline at 269.280.4673. Our admissions coordinators will take time to listen to you and help you find a solution that meets your desires and your budget. We can even help you work with your insurance provider to arrange coverage for treatment. All of our phone services are free to you and completely confidential. Please find out how we can help you today.

By Becca Owens, Contributing Writer


Sources

1 Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, April 2016.