Bipolarity & Mental Health
4 Less Recognized Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder You Must Know Today!
Bipolar disorder is also known as bipolar disease or manic depression can get misdiagnosed if unable to understand the exact symptoms.
Bipolar spectrum conditions are mood disorders. People with bipolar disorder experience two mood abnormalities: major manic depressive episodes and periods of mood elevations.
In other words, people with bipolar disorder experience both poles of the mood spectrum, therefore known as Bi-Polar.
There’s a list of symptoms required to diagnose a bipolar manic episode like Depression, Hypomania, and Psychosis.
But many people never realize that there are a few ‘unofficial’ symptoms of bipolar disorder.
This is why — in many cases, bipolarity types and symptoms are misunderstood and misdiagnosed with mood swings, depression, or stress.
So, here’s the list of 4 less recognized symptoms of bipolarity as follows:
1. Anxiety
According to the US National Co-morbidity Survey, 31–42% of those with bipolar also suffer from anxiety disorders — an umbrella term used to encompass a wide range of symptoms, including excessive worrying, paranoia, a racing heartbeat, feelings of dread, and fear, sweating, shaking, breathing difficulties and obsessive tendencies, such as collecting objects, repetitive actions and an inability to leave the house without making endless safety checks.
2. Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is an individual’s assessment of their worth. Do they recognize their qualities and talents, or do they believe only negative statements about themselves?
Those with a mental illness, including bipolar disorder, often have very low self-esteem, leading to several problems, including dysfunctional relationships and unfulfilled potential.
Many fear revealing their true self to the outside world.
3. Libido Problems
Some people with bipolar disorder experience a disrupted sex life.
Problems include a lack of libido during depressed periods, excessive libido during periods of mania, a general lack of affection because the bipolar symptoms can prevent a fulfilling and loving relationship, and the side effects of medication.
4. Self-harm
Sometimes referred to as deliberate self-harm (DSH), self-harm is a way of coping with distress.
People self-harm in many ways, including destructive lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking, taking recreational drugs, and overeating.
However, DSH is taken to mean self-harming in ways such as cutting, burning, scratching, taking overdoses, and swallowing inedible objects.
According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, 100,000 people are referred to hospitals in the UK every year due to self-harm. Many of them have had traumatic, abusive childhoods and have psychiatric problems, such as bipolar disorder.
The Key Takeaway
In the case mentioned above, any two or more symptoms are present in the patient for at least two weeks, including depressed moods, psychosis, or loss of interest and pleasure.
Plus, these symptoms must occur most of the day, nearly every day, and cause significant distress or impairment.
Then, there is a higher chance for the patient to suffer from — Bipolar Disorder. Thus, make sure to consult with a professional mental health care counselor as soon as possible.
Read more about- 8 Tips If You Feel Like You are getting Manic
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