Living with bipolar disorder is stressful, but having an anxiety problem can make it harder. Over 50% of people with bipolar disorder are likely to experience the onset of an anxiety condition at some time in their lives. Complications may result from this, including a more severe illness, a delay in diagnosis, and a higher risk of suicide.
The sadness and hopelessness must not go on, especially because it affects your job and life. This article will guide you through the difference between bipolar disorder and anxiety, their symptoms, and their causes. A better understanding can help you deal with discomforting emotions.
What is a Bipolar Disorder?
Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, experience high fluctuations in emotions. The mood swings can range from emotional highs (hypomania or mania) to extreme lows (depression).
These experiences can occur any time of the year, often multiple times throughout. Some people may experience a heightened range of emotions, from euphoria to agitation.
Causes
Psychologists believe that multiple factors contribute to a patient developing bipolar disorder. The mix of physical, environmental, and social factors triggers intense emotions and mood swings in an individual.
The chemical imbalance inside the brain is believed to be the main factor in experiencing such mood swings. It occurs when the neurotransmitters fail to deliver chemicals like noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin properly through the brain.
The disorder can also run in families as they are linked to genetics. Family members are at risk of developing the disorder if they have a person in their family tree who had it. A breakdown of relationships, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or the death of a loved one can be some examples of stressful triggers that might lead to bipolar disorders.
Symptoms
Regarding symptoms of bipolar disorders, the patient may experience a wide range of highs and lows affecting their everyday activities. Bipolar disorder might prevent you from moving through your day as a part of the lows, which range from feeling hopeless and depressed to losing interest in your favorite or usual tasks.
On the other hand, the highs lead to a sudden burst of energy, allowing the patient to feel euphoric, energized, or irritable. These symptoms can profoundly affect their energy, sleep, judgment, behavior, activity, and ability to think correctly and clearly.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
People experiencing anxiety in their everyday life is ordinary. However, it’s concerning when they experience constant worry and anxiousness about everyday activities. They frequently experience moments of fear ranging from longer to shorter.
Causes
Most people who experience anxiety come from families with a history of mental illness. Workplace stress, losing a loved one, or strained relationships can all lead to sensations of anxiety.
Conditions like thyroid disorders, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease can also bring on anxiety. Heavy drug, alcohol, and other substance users experience anxiety issues as soon as the effects of the substance start to wear off.
Additionally, Individuals with particular personality traits, such as control freaks or perfectionists, may occasionally experience problems with anxiety.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Panic, uneasiness, & fear
- Sleep problems
- Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling sensation in hands or feet
- Palpitations
- Tense muscles
Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are more likely to be experienced in patients with bipolar disorder diagnosis, it acts as a part of the mood swings, and the symptoms of anxiety are felt in the episodes that patients go through in bipolar disorder cases.
However, the differences can be seen in how the symptoms occur, from varying sleep schedules to loss of control of the intrusive thoughts in the case of social interactions. The symptoms are affected differently depending on if the patient is going through a depressive/manic episode or experiencing an anxiety attack, leading to stressful situations.
Conclusion
While having bipolar disorder is tough, having an anxiety problem can make it even harder to manage. Even though these disorders are lifelong, there are ways to manage them and improve your quality of life.
Mind Balance Infusions offers ketamine infusion therapy for various mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
