When some hear the phrase “bipolar disorder” they may imagine a person going crazy and ending up in a mental hospital. However, these impressions are unwarranted, as there are many people in Georgia who live with bipolar disorder. Those with bipolar disorder suffer from episodes of mania and major depression. Often these episodes are unpredictable, which makes living one’s everyday life very difficult.
Some symptoms of a manic episode include being unusually upbeat or feeling like one is extremely keyed up. A person going through a manic episode may also find that they have much more energy than usual, to the point of becoming easily agitated. They may experience euphoria and find they don’t need as much sleep as usual. They may also be especially talkative and make extremely poor decisions. In addition, they may find that their thoughts are racing and they may find they are easily distracted.
Some symptoms of a major depressive episode include feeling extreme sadness or hopelessness. They may also feel worthless or feel extremely guilty for no reason. A person may have no interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. A major depressive disorder can affect a person’s appetite, leading to weight loss or conversely weight gain. A person going through a major depressive episode may also find that they are incredibly sleepy or conversely that they have difficulty sleeping. They may feel either restless or sluggish. They may be easily fatigued as well. Concentrating and making decisions may become difficult. Finally, a person going through a major depressive episode may even be suicidal.
There are also severe complications that could accompany bipolar disorder. A person could develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. They may attempt suicide. They could find themselves running into financial or legal difficulties. Their relationships with loved ones could be damaged. Finally, they could have poor performance at work.
As you can see, bipolar disorder can have a major effect on one’s health and life. When it significantly interferes with a person’s life to the point that the person cannot hold down a job, a person could experience extreme financial difficulties. Therefore, those with bipolar disorder may want to explore the possibility of seeking Social Security disability benefits. These benefits can be the financial lifeline one needs to make ends meet when their illness renders them unable to work.
