How to Identify BiPolar Disorder in Yourself

Bi-Polar disorder is a mental disorder that, if undiagnosed, can wreak large amounts of havoc on the individual having the disorder as well as loved ones surrounding the individual. Remember that this is not a tool designed to diagnose this disorder. One should always rely on the help of a doctor for that. This guide will give you some key points and symptoms about bi-polar disorder.

1. Sleep Habits- Does the person involved stay up for days on end needing only a couple hours of sleep a night, (or morning,) to get through a day? After a few days of this, most people with the disorder will crash after their bodies literally give out on them. When a person is manic, this symptom is a giant problem that acts up. On the flip side, if the subject is depressed, they may need up to twenty hours of sleep a day in order to function at all. They may feel that they are never rested despite the fact that they have gone to bed at 5:30pm each day for the last week.

2. Spending Habits- Oftentimes a person in the grips of mania will be interested in spending large amounts of money on loved ones, on strangers, or on themselves. An example might be a person who liquidates all of their savings in order to take their loved ones on a lavish vacation around the world. Left unchecked, this person will rack up thousands of dollars in credit debt and can be a giant strain on loved ones later on.

3. Sexual habits- Typically a person with bi-polar disorder will have sexual habits that fluctuate wildly depending on their mood. They may sleep with many people consecutively without protection, or they may feel that they are superhuman in some way and therefore cannot be hurt. If depressed, they may feel that if they sleep with other individuals they will feel better, then get more depressed as this is not the case.

4. Depression habits- A bi-polar depression is typically different from a person with Major Depression Disorder. People with bi-polar disorder often have some of the worst depressive swings on record. Many bi-polar people commit suicide when left unchecked. This phenomena occurs when they are so depressed they cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel and become very self-absorbed. People in the grips of a depression need to seek medical help, but many are so depressed they do not see a reason to bother. They will also disconnect from friends and family and try to isolate themselves. This may happen yearly, especially if they have a season affective disorder.

5. Mania habits- A bi-polar mania is acted out differently in each person. Many people will feel that they are on top of the world and can do things that regular people cannot do such as read minds or communicate with god. Some people will hallucinate, or see and hear things that are not there. In extreme cases some people will run naked down a street, believe they can fly, or any another of an array of bizarre behaviors.

If any of these behaviors seem to match you or someone you know and love, please seek help immediately. Bi-polar disorder seems scary, but in reality can be controlled fairly consistently with medications. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of medical help for mental illness and medication. Do not be afraid to seek help if you need it.