Living in the bipolar spectrum is already a challenge. But living with high functioning bipolar disorder is even more challenging and knowing where to seek help can be difficult. People who have high-functioning bipolar disorder may look like they live very normal lives. But behind this facade is a reality that can be difficult to see: the constant struggle to manage bipolar disorder symptoms and stay on top of their mental health care. If you are unfamiliar with high-functioning bipolar disorder or feel like you have one, here are some things you should know.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes extreme mood, energy, and activity shifts. It’s common for those with bipolar disorder to have episodes of mania and depression that alternate over time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can be challenging to understand and manage—and they often seem unrelated to the person experiencing them.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the average person with bipolar disorder will experience at least one manic episode in their lifetime. In comparison, most people with the condition will share at least one major depressive episode.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder has four main types: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, NOS, and cyclothymia. Each type has its clinical symptoms and causes, but they share some common traits too. Here’s how each type looks:
Bipolar I
This is the most severe form in the bipolar spectrum. People with this type of bipolar disorder have episodes that last weeks or months and must be hospitalized for at least one week. They also have chronic depression and mania.
Bipolar II
This type of bipolar disorder is less severe than the first type but requires hospitalization for at least one week. It is characterized by alternating periods of manic depression and hypomania.
Bipolar Disorder (Not Elsewhere Classified)
This type includes all subtypes of bipolar except for hypomanic episodes; it’s characterized by a pattern of behavior that provides for manic symptoms or mixed episodes, including delusions and hallucinations.
Cyclothymic Disorder
This is a milder form of bipolar disorder in which someone has cyclical mood swings between depression and mania without meeting the criteria for full-blown bipolar disorder.
What is High Functioning Bipolar Disorder?
High Functioning Bipolar Disorder is a type of bipolar disorder that doesn’t cause the same bipolar symptoms as classic bipolar disorder. It’s also known as “manic depressive” disorder, including manic episodes and depressive symptoms.
High functioning bipolar disorder is diagnosed if you have experienced one or more acute episodes of mania or hypomania in the past. Still, you are functioning well in your everyday life. To determine if you have high functioning bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor about how your symptoms affect your life. They may be able to help you get treatment for yourself or someone else who has a similar diagnosis.
But what does it mean to have a high level of functioning?
It depends on who you ask. Some say it’s when they can maintain steady employment or attend school on par with their peers. Others say it’s when they can maintain relationships with friends and family members. Still, others say it’s when they can take care of themselves at home and work without assistance from others.
High Functioning Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Many times, people who are suffering from high functioning bipolar disorder will try to hide their bipolar disorder symptoms. They may not tell friends and family about their ups and downs, or they may not want to deal with the side effects of medication. This can make it difficult for the person suffering from High Functioning Bipolar Disorder to get help.
However, there are some signs that you should look out for:
Mood swings
The highs and lows of high functioning bipolar disorder are, for many people, all too common. You may experience extreme mood swings. One day you’re feeling happy and energetic; the next, you may be sad and tearful.
Irritability
Mood swings can make maintaining relationships with friends and family members challenging. You may have difficulty being around other people or have trouble keeping your composure if someone else is being rude or hurtful toward you.
Energy fluctuations
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder can affect your energy levels and ability to focus on tasks. Feeling energetic one day and then depressed the next can make it difficult to complete any task requiring sustained attention.
Physical symptoms
Some people who have bipolar disorder will experience physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate or excessive sweating when experiencing periods of mania or hypomania (the “highs” of their illness). This can also include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or vomiting when experiencing bipolar depression (the “lows” of their condition).
It’s important to remember that the symptoms of high functioning bipolar disorder can vary from person to person. It’s also essential for those experiencing symptoms to speak up about them—the earlier you start engagement in treatment and take care of yourself, the less likely your condition will worsen.
What kinds of treatments are available for high-functioning bipolar disorder?
There are many different treatment options available for high-functioning bipolar disorder. At the center of most treatments is a combination of medication and therapy.
Medication
Medication can treat symptoms such as manic symptoms and bipolar depression. It’s important to remember that you can only take one type of medication at a time, so you should always talk with your doctor about which type will work best for you.
A variety of medications are commonly used, including:
- atypical antipsychotics
- mood stabilizers
- antidepressants
- anticonvulsants
Therapy
Therapy may help you manage your moods and behaviors more effectively. Although this doesn’t happen overnight, treatment can help break down negative thought patterns that your mental illness has established.
Some therapy options for bipolar disorder include:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- psychoeducation
- dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- family-focused therapy (FFT)
- interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
How to manage high functioning bipolar disorder?
Managing high-functioning bipolar disorder can be tricky, and it’s important to remember that everyone is different.
The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. You’ll need to talk to your doctor about your bipolar spectrum symptoms and what they mean for you. They may recommend a psychiatrist or therapist specializing in this type of mental illness.
You’ll also want to look into medication options, which can help with the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder and the mood swings that come along with it. There are many different types of medications, so it’s essential to research on your own and talk with your doctor before making any decisions.
Finally, make sure you’re able to manage your stress levels so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by them every day—and there are many ways to do this! You could try meditating or walking outside in nature whenever possible; another option is joining a support group or therapy session when needed.
You are not alone in your struggle, others understand and can help
It’s not always easy to know what to do when you’re having a bad day or trying to get through daily life. It’s important to remember that feelings are always temporary, but we might need extra support from time to time to get through those rough patches and improve our quality of life.