Telltale Signs Your Loved One May Be Suffering with Manic Depression

If a loved one isn’t acting like they usually do and their moods seem to swing wildly, they may have manic depression, a condition now known as bipolar disorder.

At Greenpoint Psychotherapy, we understand how worrisome it can be to watch your loved one struggle mentally and emotionally.

Our experienced mental health specialists offer comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment services for bipolar disorder. Our team also provides the resources you and your family need to better support someone navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder.

Below, we break down some of the telltale warning signs of bipolar disorder.

An overview of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that causes intense changes in your mood that shift from elation and high energy (manic episodes) to depression and fatigue (depressive episodes).

The medical community has moved away from referring to the condition as ‘manic depression’ because of the stigma associated with the terms ‘mania’ and ‘manic.’

Bipolar disorder also clarifies the inclusion of the hypomanic (bipolar II) and cyclothymic disorder, less severe versions of bipolar disorder.

Warning signs of bipolar disorder most often appear in adults between the ages of 18 and 29. However, the condition can develop in people of all ages, including young children, adolescents, and teenagers.

Telltales signs of a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder

Manic episodes of bipolar disorder can cause a variety of symptoms that coincide with an elevated mood, including:

• Restlessness
• Impulsivity
• Excessive talking
• Being easily distracted
• Reduced need for sleep
• Risky behaviors like promiscuity, gambling, or excessive spending

People in a manic episode of bipolar may also experience feelings of grandiosity, which makes them feel very important or as if they can do anything.

Warning signs your loved one is having a depressive episode

Episodes of mania can last several days before the onset of a depressive episode. Once your loved one starts feeling depressed, you may see a significant change in their behaviors, including:

• Sleeping too little or too much
• Loss of appetite
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Difficulties carrying out simple tasks
• Trouble making decisions or remembering appointments

People in depressive episodes may also engage in self-harming behaviors or talk about suicide. If someone you love is speaking about harming themselves or another person, call 988 to speak to a member of the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

There is also a risk that individuals will self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to manage depression symptoms. Misuse or abuse of such substances can lead to dependency and additional mental health complications.

Help is available for bipolar disorder

At Greenpoint Psychotherapy, we offer therapeutic resources to help you and your loved one better manage bipolar disorder. These resources include:

• Individual therapy
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy

We also provide specialized therapies like psychedelic integration to help you process your emotions with hallucinogenic drugs under the careful supervision of our medical specialists.

During ongoing therapy sessions, our providers guide you through processes for recognizing negative thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. They also provide you with tools you can use to regulate your moods and improve your overall quality of life.

Call Greenpoint Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, New York, today to schedule an evaluation for symptoms of bipolar disorder or book a consultation online.