Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences ongoing extreme highs and extreme lows in their mood. These severe mood swings make normal day-to-day living feel impossible – however it can be manageable. At least one in every 100 people will experience Bipolar Disorder at some time during their lives. In Australia, it is estimated that approximately 1.8% of males and 1.7% of females have had Bipolar Disorder in the previous 12 months (National Survey of Mental Health & Wellbeing).
Bipolar Disorder can be difficult to recognise and accurately diagnose because many of its symptoms overlap with other mental health issues such as; anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. A person with Bipolar disorder will have symptoms of both severe depression and excessive elation, at different times.
CHECKLIST OF SIGNS COMMONLY SEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
IF YOU HAVE CHECKED MORE THAN HALF OF THE ABOVE, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
• Monitor your mood daily. Have a daily routine and use a chart or app to help you track your moods
• Where possible limit stressors in your life and don’t take on too many commitments.
• Take your time making decisions
• Build a good support network with close friends and family around you
• Regular exercise is important, as is relaxation to reduce stress
• Avoid alcohol and drugs – these will make your moods and ability to control situations worseen
Acting on these tips is important, however seeking additional support and talk to our team is equally as important. Having a safe discussion with our team will allow you to develop a complete understanding of what’s happening, and create a strategy to reduce stress, manage your moods, and remove some of the chaos Bipolar Disorder may be causing you in your life.
We believe wise minds make wise decisions, so let us help you. Contact us today.
