How do we know that a storm is about to break? Most of the time we hear thunder in the distance, skies are dark & grey with rain clouds, & it becomes very windy.
If we do not want to be caught with the worst effects of the storm, we would probably go back to our homes, close all the windows, and secure any loose items outside the house.
Similarly, if bipolar patients become more aware of their early warning signs, they can take steps to prevent a full-blown episode of depression and mania.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition defined by extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). These highs and lows are accompanied by dangerous behavior changes.
Early detection of an impending storm in bipolar disorder, be it episode of mania or depression can enable you to intervene early and prevent a mood episode.
In order to be able to detect an oncoming episode, you must learn to recognise your own early warning signs and symptoms.
Everyone has their own unique set of signs and symptoms, but in general it revolves around the same group of signs and symptoms.
Early warning signs are thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that act as red flags signaling an oncoming relapse. Recognizing early warning signs allows a person to seek help before symptoms get out of control.
Common warning signs: Mania
Mania is characterized by a feeling of high energy, pressure, anxiety, and intensity. Someone who is experiencing mania may seem very active and become more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Feeling more energetic (uncontrollable excitement)
Feeling “high” or “in another world”
Easily distracted
Easily irritated
Suddenly feeling creative
More talkative (very hard to interrupt your speech)
Ideas flow quickly
Spending money freely/recklessly
Decreased need for sleep
Feeling especially strong/powerful
Increased sex drive
Increased sociability/familiarity (over friendly)
Decreased concentration or attention
Very aggressive/violent
May express intention to self-harm or harm others
Common warning signs: Depression
Depression is characterized by feeling sad, slowed down, or low on energy. Someone who is experienceing depression may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed and withdraw from normal life activities.
Sadness
Less talkative
Excessive worrying
Less interested in people/activities
Social isolation
Restlessness
Less energetic- increased fatiguability
Decreased sex drive
Loss of appetite
Feeling anxious
Difficulty in concentrating
Sleep disturbance (too much/too little/disrupted)
Loss of interest/excitement
Ideas of guilt/unworthiness
Very pessimistic view of the future
Ideas of self harm/suicide
Decreased self esteem/confidence
Lack of emotional reactivity
"Recognizing early warning signs allows a person to seek help before symptoms get out of control."
Understanding your relapse warning signs is important in reducing the severity of future mood episodes. Knowing about an episode before it takes full control will give an opportunity to seek professional help, take practical safety measures, and avoid high-risk situations.
If you notice something off in the behavior of loved ones, family, friends, or co-workers, they could be just going through a rough time. Maybe it’s an accumulation of stress or a problem they’re wrestling with.
However, repeated and multiple signs that manifest that are associated with bipolar disorder may be cause for concern.
The next step is to develop an action plan that details what you will do when you recognise the early warning signs and symptoms of a major depressive or manic episode. It is important to be prepared so that when the time comes, you will know what to do.
Plan what you will do, what you will say, what you will ask your friends and family to do for you.
Detail your early intervention plans carefully and keep them on your desk, phone wallpaper or on the refrigerator, somewhere that is easily accessible or visible – so that you can refer to them when the need arises.
"It is important to be prepared so that when the time comes, you will know what to do."
Avoid Self-Diagnosis!
The tendency to try to figure out if you have bipolar disorder is not unusual, especially if you’ve spotted what you believe are signs in yourself.
Trying to diagnose yourself is likely to cause you unnecessary worry/mask your true mental state.
Your best option is to see a mental health professional that can conduct appropriate tests and make a determination whether you have bipolar disorder, another mental health disorder, no mental health disorder, or perhaps symptoms resulting from substance misuse.