True or False
True or False: People are always happy when they are manic.
False. This can be true sometimes, but mania often comes with feelings of irritability and being unable to stop or slow down.
How long do manic symptoms or manic episodes typically last?
At least 1 week where symptoms cause an impairment or severely disrupt the person's life
How long do depressive episodes typically last?
Typically last at least 2 weeks where symptoms cause an impairment or severely disrupt the person's life
This type of medication is a common medication prescribed to help manage emotional mood swings.
Mood stabilizers
True or False: Bipolar disorder is characterized by quick, intense mood swings.
False: The symptoms of bipolar disorder are much more extreme than regular mood swings, and each episode usually lasts a week or more.
What is typical during a manic episode: losing the ability to make rational decisions or losing the ability to be upset?
Losing the ability to make rational decisions.
What does a typical depressive episode look like: feeling sad for a day or two but able to participate in daily activities, or feeling intense sadness for weeks, interfering with the ability to participate in daily activities?
feeling intense sadness for weeks, interfering with the ability to participate in daily activities
Risk factors of developing or worsening bipolar disorder include: (list at least 3)
Genetic causes, individual biology such as chemical imbalances in the brain, having poor coping skills, drug or alcohol abuse, lack of social support, not taking prescribed medications, poor health, etc.
True or False: A person with bipolar disorder can live a happy and healthy life when participating in long term, ongoing treatment.
True. Long term and ongoing treatment can help one manage and cope with their symptoms.
What are some common irrational choices that one experiencing a manic episode may participate in?
Several answers possible, including but not limited to emptying bank accounts, leaving a loved one, using dangerous drugs, gambling their life savings, etc.
What are some common behaviors one who is experiencing a depressive episode may participate in?
There are several correct answers including but not limited to social withdrawal, excessive sleep, losing interest in things previously enjoyed, increased alcohol and/or drug use, etc.
What are some protective factors to help reduce the likelihood of worsening bipolar disorder and its symptoms? List at least 3.
Medication compliance, healthy lifestyle, psychotherapy, social support, structured schedule/routine, effective coping skills, recognizing your warning signs, etc.
True or False: Bipolar disorder is a more common mental health diagnosis than people think.
True. In 2020, there was an estimated reported 2.8% of American adults experienced bipolar disorder.
What are some common mania warning signs? List at least 5.
Several answers including, but not limited to having more energy, feeling high or as if in another world, easily distracted, more talkative, senses seem sharper and colors seem more vibrant, intense irritability, sleeping less, feeling rested even with little sleep, over inflated self-esteem, racing thoughts, etc.
What are some common depression warning signs? List at least 5.
There are several correct answers including but not limited to intense sadness, less talkative, increased irritability, difficulty focusing, having less energy, less interest in people or activities, senses seem duller, restlessness, fatigue nearly every day, reoccurring thoughts of death, etc.
Learning to recognize your own warning signs and trends can be _____ in managing your mental health disorder?
beneficial, helpful, etc.