Do you believe that you or a loved one struggles with bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a fairly common disorder that affects the mind. It causes unusual or inexplicable shifts in energy levels, mood, and concentration. While bipolar disorder can be devastating in its effects on your life or the life of your loved one, there is still hope that the condition can improve. Bipolar Links can help put you in touch with the information and resources you need to learn more about the condition, find out what treatment exists, and see how others successfully manage this condition.

Symptoms and Signs of Bipolar Disorder

If you're trying to determine if you should seek a diagnosis for bipolar disorder, it's also helpful to understand that manic symptoms and depressive symptoms are different and may not co-exist. Manic symptoms include:

• Feeling elation or irritability
• Feeling wired or jumpy
• Avoiding sleep
• Losing appetite
• Performing risky actions recklessly
• Feeling self-important

These symptoms stand out from the person's regular behavior because of their extreme nature. Depressive symptoms include excessive:

• Feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Worrying
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Eating more than usual and gaining weight
• Inability to concentrate or remember
• Feelings of disinterest in activities
• Thoughts of death or suicide

You or your loved one may experience symptoms from both these types in a single episode, which can put a strain on your mental health and relationships. If any of the above examples sound like you, you should seek a personal diagnosis from a mental health professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Does someone you love suffer from Bipolar? All is not lost. Proper treatment can help those with bipolar disorder lead normal, healthy lives. The patient needs to start with an appointment with a healthcare provider, who might then refer them to a mental healthcare provider. That professional may use therapy, medication, or other treatment options to help the patient find relief.

Not sure where to start? With the help of Bipolar Links, you can find great resources with our bipolar resource directory. Search through our lists below and find information on bipolar disorder from medical professionals, inspirational stories from those who successfully live with the disorder, options for treatment, and communities that can help support you. You'll also find information on how families can support loved ones who suffer from this condition.

Search through the bipolar resource directory below to find what you need to get started.