Does he have bipolar? (+3 Challenges of bipolar)
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the…
This detailed article will be explaining if ‘he’ has bipolar. We will also be looking at the various difficulties faced by men who have bipolar disorder and the different coping strategies and techniques that you can use if you are dating someone with this mental illness.
Does he have bipolar?
He may have bipolar if he is exhibiting the following signs and symptoms,
- Inflated self-esteem
- Frequent mood-swings
- Reckless spending
- Talking very fast
- Increased libido
- Poor decision-making
- Suicidal ideations
- Sudden increase in energy levels
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
Inflated self-esteem
If a male loved one is suddenly showing an inflated self-esteem and high sense of self-worth, this may also be a sign that they might be suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, particularly the manic phase, leads to an abnormally boosted self-esteem and over-confidence.
Frequent mood-swings
Frequent mood swings are another sign that someone is suffering from bipolar disorder. This is particularly if the mood swings last for days together at a time. For instance, in Bipolar Disorder 1, the manic phase lasts for about a week, while the depressive phase goes on for a couple.
Reckless spending
If your husband or boyfriend or simply male friend is suddenly spending money in a reckless and dangerous manner, this can also be a sign that they may have a mood disorder, particularly bipolar disorder. Reckless spending habits can be seen in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Talking very fast
When someone is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder, they are also bound to speak very fast. If your male loved one is talking at a very fast pace and not making much sense, this points to the fact that they might be suffering from bipolar disorder.
Increased libido
An abnormal increase in libido is another sign of mania in bipolar disorder. At the same time, the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can lead to a decreased sex drive. Basically, any sudden change in sex drive is cause for help from a mental health professional.
Poor decision-making
Mood disorders like bipolar can also lead to cognitive impairments, which means that your male loved one might start making very poor and rash decisions. If they are in a manic phase, they might also show immense confidence in whatever poor decision they take.
Suicidal ideations
Suicidal thoughts and ideations are also very common in bipolar and in case there is no supervision, the attempt may become successful. If your male loved one has expressed suicidal thoughts, it means that they need professional help urgently.
Sudden increase in energy levels
If your male loved one is suddenly experiencing an increase in energy levels, this can also be a sign that they might be struggling with bipolar disorder. Manic phases in bipolar disorder are characterized by a sudden and unexplained increase in energy levels.
Changes in sleep patterns
Bipolar disorder can also lead to changes in sleep patterns. In manic phases, the amount of sleep is often much lesser than usual and the person may struggle to stay asleep. Depressive phases can lead to different effects, with some people sleeping a lot more and others sleeping a lot less.
Changes in appetite
There might also be changes in appetite as a result of bipolar disorder. Mostly during manic phases, the person’s appetite may increase rapidly. On the other hand, during depression, the person may experience a decreased appetite.
Challenges due to bipolar in men
Bipolar disorder may have many common signs among men and women, but among males can lead to a varied set of challenges and problems. Some of the unique challenges faced by men who have bipolar disorder have been listed below.
- Bipolar disorder can lead to a decreased work performance which may even lead to job loss. Since society often expects men to work and bear the financial burden of the family, this mental illness can lead to identity issues in males.
This decrease in work performance among males can also be seen in household chores and even parenting duties. These can further lead to a broken self-esteem and reduced self-confidence, felt especially during the depressive phase of the disorder.
- Another challenge that bipolar disorder can create for men is that they might face difficulties in raising their children. This can be even more stressful for single parents who have the full responsibility of their children.
- Bipolar disorder can not only be challenging for the mood and mindset of the person but can even change up the intimacy levels. Males can experience a higher or lower sex-drive and may even have troubles in sexual performance.
This can further damage their self-esteem and their self-identity. Intimacy issues may also cause relationship problems between males and their partners and have even led to a relationship break-up in many cases.
How to cope if he has bipolar?
If you know a male loved one who is showing signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, there are many things that you can do to help them cope with it. A few things that can be done for him and also yourself as you deal with him have been discussed as follows.
- Encourage proper treatment: The most important thing to do for someone who you suspect is suffering from bipolar disorder is to encourage treatment. The first step is to consult with a mental health professional like a psychiatrist.
After the initial consultation, the mental health professional will suggest different modes of treatment depending on the symptoms. The most common treatment plan followed for bipolar is using medications like mood stabilizers.
Another mode that can be followed is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Whatever the treatment prescribed may be, it is important that the person sticks to it. So, you can provide emotional support and encourage them to continue their treatment.
- Build your awareness about bipolar: You can also improve your awareness of bipolar disorder. This is very important especially if you are living with the person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Building awareness does not only involve reading more about bipolar, but also understanding how the symptoms are manifesting themselves in your loved one. This will help you counter and navigate their symptoms so that they don’t affect you and your home environment.
- Go to couples counseling: Couples counseling can also help you and your partner if they have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In couples counseling sessions, you and your partner will learn how to live with the illness a little better.
In couples counseling sessions, you will also be able to learn how to communicate effectively with your partner in various phases of the illness. This will help you and your partner strengthen your relationship, which is very important for fighting the illness.
- Practice self-care: Practicing self-care is also important when you are living with someone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Self-care is important since the illness of your partner can also take a toll on your own mental health.
Self-care can be practiced in a number of ways. For example, engaging in a fun, physical exercise can be great for your physique and also your mental health. You can also engage in spirituality and meditation as part of your self-care.
Conclusion
This detailed article has explained if ‘he’ has bipolar. We have also looked at the various difficulties faced by men who have bipolar disorder and the different coping strategies and techniques that you can use if you are dating someone with this mental illness.
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