Jackson, MS – Oceans Healthcare is a behavioral health organization that specializes in treating serious mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder. This month, the facility published an article that examines the term "high-functioning bipolar disorder" and explains why it is stigmatized.
People living with bipolar disorder typically experience a combination of manic and depressive symptoms. The exact symptoms differ depending on the specific bipolar diagnosis.
“The three most common types of bipolar disorder are bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. People with bipolar I experience the highs of a manic episode and may also experience the lows of a depressive episode, although it’s not required for the diagnosis. Someone living with bipolar II will experience depression most intensely, but they will also experience hypomania, which is less intense than true mania. With cyclothymic disorder, a person doesn’t experience full episodes of depression or mania but has chronic mood swings, going from manic symptoms to depressive symptoms,” the article begins.
The term “high-functioning” bipolar disorder is used to describe someone who can still function in daily life despite their symptoms. However, this term doesn’t reflect the amount of effort functioning with these symptoms often requires.
“When the term ‘high-functioning’ is used in the context of behavioral health, it implies that the person with the condition does not need much support. Often, people who don’t use certain services, like medication or therapy, get labeled as high-functioning because they manage without those tools.
“A person who’s labeled as having high-functioning bipolar disorder may have found tools to help them appear to be functional during depressive or manic episodes. In reality, their coping mechanisms could be doing more harm than good. Even though they appear to be doing well on their own, their quality of life would improve with support,” the article continues.
Mania and hypomania present with similar symptoms. The key difference is the intensity with which a person experiences them. A few common manic/hypomanic symptoms include an intensified sense of self-importance, very little appetite or need for sleep, and rapid speech patterns.
The symptoms of bipolar depression are very similar to those of major depressive disorder. The key difference is that those with bipolar depression also experience manic or hypomanic symptoms. Common symptoms of bipolar depression include suicidal thoughts or actions, constant sadness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies, and intense feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
“Although depressive episodes are more prominent in people with bipolar II, many people with bipolar I also experience them. During a depressive episode, someone who is high-functioning could appear functional or even conceal their depressive symptoms. Just keeping their symptoms in check could be draining all of the energy they have. Often, people who appear high-functioning during depressive episodes are letting some unseen part of their life fall apart. It’s important to remember that high-functioning is usually something that’s perceived by others; it doesn’t necessarily reflect the experience of the person living with the condition,” the article states.
Regardless of how well a person conceals their symptoms, there are always tools available to enhance their ability to manage their condition. Keeping a journal, maintaining a support network, and staying up to date on a treatment plan are all good examples of symptom management tools.
Oceans Healthcare treats more than 34 thousand clients across 30 locations annually. The organization fosters a highly collaborative environment, meaning that clients have a team of professionals working together to brainstorm the best way to meet their needs. They accept 24/7 referrals. To learn more about Oceans Healthcare, call (361) 371-8933.
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For more information about Oceans Behavioral Hospital Jackson, contact the company here:
Oceans Behavioral Hospital Jackson
Dax Parker
(601) 714-8141
jacksoninfo@oceanshealthcare.com
2969 N Curran Dr Building A
Jackson, MS 39216
