Unfortunately, fatigue is often a vicious cycle in bipolar disorder. High energy levels and restlessness during mania can make it hard to sleep at night, causing you to feel very tired during the day. During a depressed state, however, you may feel fatigued all the time.
Try to get regular exercise
But, exercise can boost your energy levels and mood. Even a walk around the block in the sun or some gentle movement may help. Research shows that in people with bipolar disorder, regular exercise can reduce symptoms like fatigue in episodes of depression.
Although bipolar disorder does not directly affect the bones and muscles, depressive episodes can have an impact on your skeletal and muscular systems. Depression can cause unexpected aches and pains, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. Due to your discomfort, you may find it difficult to exercise.
During bipolar mood swings, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, work, go to school, and maintain relationships. When a person has a manic episode, they feel overly excited, productive, and even invincible. These drastic behavior changes usually cause concern among friends and family.
Bipolar disorder is best described as a disorder of the energy of the brain. People with bipolar disorder experience unusual and intense changes in mood and behavior. There are two extremes in bipolar disorder: mania and depression. During a manic episode, people feel “up,” and may be much more energetic than usual.
Fatigue can come during both mania and depression. It's more than being sleepy. It's feeling so tired that you can't do your normal things. You might feel like you can't function or make it through your day.
A bipolar depression crash is usually the emotional fallout of a hypomanic or manic episode. It can also occur when something triggers bipolar depression or as a result of chemical or hormonal changes in the brain.
A 2020 study suggests that nearly 23% of those with bipolar disorder could be considered high functioning. If you have high functioning bipolar disorder (HFBD), you might be able to manage your bipolar disorder symptoms and complete your daily responsibilities and functions.
It can manifest itself in many ways, including avoiding social events, not engaging in eye contact, and having low self esteem. These symptoms are common in those with bipolar, leading people to ask whether the two are linked.
Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].
Bipolar disorder can also affect your sexuality and sexual activity. During a manic episode, you may experience hypersexuality, or an increase in sexual activity. It may place you at an increased risk for actions that may have negative effects, such as contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
Unfortunately, fatigue is often a vicious cycle in bipolar disorder. High energy levels and restlessness during mania can make it hard to sleep at night, causing you to feel very tired during the day. During a depressed state, however, you may feel fatigued all the time.
People living with bipolar disorder should aim to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends more than seven hours per night for adults. 13 However, what's most important is sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.
Aripiprazole, for example, is often considered a more “activating” medication and may have an energizing effect for some people. Treating the fatigue/bipolar depression with a stimulant.
Factors such as stress, poor sleep, and even seasonal changes can play a role in triggering your bipolar symptoms. Learn how you can reduce your risk of bipolar episodes and better manage your condition.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Experts believe there are a number of factors that work together to make a person more likely to develop it. These are thought to be a complex mix of physical, environmental and social factors.
If you have bipolar, it may have implications for driving. You must inform the following about any medical condition you have that could affect your ability to drive: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (Includes the correct form for doing so) Your insurance company.
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes. Although men and women appear to be equally affected by bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is seen more often in women. Women also tend to experience more depressive and mixed state episodes than do men.
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
What is the 'mask'? It is almost like a different persona. You leave your comfort zone (home), and you become hyper vigilant about where you are. You try to become someone you are not. You try to hide your illness, so others don't think you have it.
Although there is no official classification for end stage bipolar disorder, mild structural changes in the brain that lead to cognitive dysfunction can severely reduce someone's quality of life, especially toward the end of life.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
Bipolar anger and rage can be common symptoms for people living with bipolar disorder. Not everyone will experience these intense emotional states, but for those who do, it makes this mental health condition even more challenging to navigate.