How to Actually Deal With Bipolar 2 Symptoms

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms. Among other mental health diagnoses, I am bipolar 2. Once, I got a whole new wardrobe because of it. Yes, I was manic. Plus, I was wonder woman, I could do anything and everything. Bipolar personality is very eccentric, but also so very negative.

Understanding bipolar disorder is key to noticing your mood change and how to deal with them. For me, nothing will stop me when I go shopping (unless I run out of money). That’s how bad it gets. When I’m depressed, all these negative thoughts invade my brain. I don’t want to deal with them, so I sleep most of the time.

Funny thing is, I used to be on lithium for the bipolar, but was taken off of it, because it exacerbated my movements from Parkinson’s. My doctor never replaced it. To tell you the truth, I haven’t had any problems since then. Go figure!

Early Signs of Bipolar

The early signs of bipolar disorder can vary, but they often include noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. Here are some common early signs:

Mood Swings: Experiencing extreme mood changes from high (mania or hypomania) to low (depression).
Manic Symptoms: These can include increased energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, talkativeness, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior.
Depressive Symptoms: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and loss of interest in activities.
Irritability: Becoming easily agitated or frustrated.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Sleeping too much or too little.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or making decisions.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends and family.

My first inclination of bipolar 2 was going on spending sprees. I didn’t care how much it was, I just knew I wanted it. And the excitement I felt about getting it was insurmountable.

Bipolar 2 Disorder Symptoms

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I disorder. Here are the key symptoms associated with Bipolar II disorder:

Hypomanic Episodes:

Elevated or Irritable Mood: Feeling unusually happy, optimistic, or irritable.
Increased Activity or Energy: Engaging in more activities than usual, often with a sense of urgency.
Decreased Need for Sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep.
Talkativeness: Speaking more than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking.
Racing Thoughts: Having rapid thoughts or jumping quickly from one idea to another.
Distractibility: Being easily distracted by unimportant or irrelevant stimuli.
Impulsivity: Engaging in risky behaviors, such as spending sprees or unwise business investments.

Depressive Episodes:

Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: Feeling down, empty, or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest in activities once enjoyed.
Fatigue or Low Energy: Feeling tired and lacking energy.
Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Experiencing excessive or inappropriate guilt.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

Learn to Recognize the Things That Make Your Bipolar Worse

Noise

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms by what makes it worse. Noise especially bothered me. I used to have a cockatiel bird, and he would go into this high pitched singing. My anger would go from 0 to 10 in an instant, and I would scream at him to shut up.

Looking back on it now, I feel so bad. My ex-husband would do the same. There was a lot of anger in that household. And we had three cats, also. They pretty much kept to themselves. Looking back on it now, we never should have had any pets.

Environment

On a similar line, you also need to consider your environment. This includes the type of entertainment you choose.

I suppose my listening to hard rock (which is usually negative) doesn’t help my cause. I feel like this music can express my feelings when I can’t express them myself.

Also, watch the people you spend time with. The woman I’m living with is very negative and I’m looking to move out as soon as possible. I need to get away from her. While living with her, I stay in my room most of the time.

Self-Talk

The things you say to yourself matter. Bipolar disorder likes to play repeating audio files that tell you all the worst things. I understand. My brain is always telling me how terrible I am, what a rotten friend I am, and how inept of a writer I am.

I’ve learned to reason on the truth most days. I know I’m not terrible or the worst. However, if I join in those voices by saying negative things to myself, their impact increases.

Be conscious of the things you say to yourself. Even insignificant remarks, like when you look in the mirror and say, “I look terrible!” can be damaging. Try to reframe those comments with positive words.

Best Treatment for Bipolar

Natural Remedies for Bipolar

Making Changes to Your Lifestyle

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms through natural remedies. This is a blanket statement that can seem a bit vague, so what exactly do these “lifestyle changes” mean? These changes include limiting your alcohol intake to a minimum and avoiding illegal substances.

For people with bipolar disorder, these items can cause depression, which will obviously make your illness worse. Be sure to get enough sleep in each and every mood.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a herbal supplement commonly used for treating mild to moderate depression. However, its use in bipolar disorder is more complex and potentially problematic. Here’s how it might interact with bipolar disorder:

Antidepressant Effects: St. John’s Wort is believed to work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Risk of Triggering Mania: In individuals with bipolar disorder, especially those with Bipolar I, using St. John’s Wort can potentially trigger manic or hypomanic episodes. This is because increasing neurotransmitter levels can sometimes lead to mood elevation beyond the desired effect.

Fish Oils

Fish oil supplements are super easy to find these days, whether in liquid or capsule form. You can also up your Omega-3 intake by adding foods rich in these healthy fats to your diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are packed with EPA and DHA, two of the best kinds of Omega-3s. For a plant-based option, try flaxseeds, chia seeds, or walnuts, which are great sources of ALA, another type of Omega-3. Adding these foods to your meals is an easy way to get more Omega-3s in your diet!

A Variety of Amino Acids

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms by ways of amino acid. Amino acids can play a role in mood regulation, and some may be beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder. Here are a few that are often discussed in this context:

Tryptophan: This is the building block for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help balance your mood. Boosting serotonin might help with mood swings.
Tyrosine: This amino acid helps produce dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that play a role in keeping you alert and regulating your mood.
Glutamine: Your body can turn this into glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters that help manage mood and anxiety.
Glycine: Known for its soothing effects on the brain, it could help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, which is great for keeping your mood steady.
Phenylalanine: Another building block for dopamine, it could help lift your mood and boost your motivation.

It’s important to note that while amino acids can support mood regulation, they should not replace conventional treatments for bipolar disorder.

Light Therapy

I use light therapy every night. I started using it about twelve years ago. When I first started using it, I thought it was a farse. It wasn’t helping me at all. Maybe I expected a quick fix. Gradually over the months, I noticed that my moods weren’t as reactive. I wouldn’t fly off the handle as quickly. My depressive episodes were not so bad. I was able to do things around the apartment. So, I believe it works.

Magnesium Supplements

I tried magnesium supplements, and it did the opposite of what it’s supposed to do. I felt more anxious and couldn’t sleep. I’ve had other reactions to supplements when they’re supposed to help, and they do exactly the opposite. But, I would give it a try, because many people have benefited from magnesium.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for bipolar disorder, but it’s not a replacement for standard medical care. Some people say it helps them feel less stressed, boosts their mood, and improves their overall well-being, which can help manage bipolar symptoms. That said, the scientific evidence on how effective acupuncture is for bipolar disorder is still limited and a bit mixed.

Valerian Root

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms with herbs. Valerian Root is one of the most empowered herbs. My moods have evened out, and I’m sleeping much better. I can’t rave enough about the sleep. It just feels good to get 7-8 hours of sleep again. With the bipolar, now that I have been taking it for a while, I haven’t had any manic episodes. I would get short, sporadic ones, but for the last few weeks, I haven’t had any.

Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha root is a stress-balancing herb commonly used in traditional medicine to help with stress and anxiety. For those with bipolar disorder, Ashwagandha might have some benefits, though it’s important to remember it’s not a substitute for regular treatments. Here’s how it could help:

Stress Reduction: Ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, which can help manage stress and potentially stabilize mood swings.
Anxiety and Depression: Some studies suggest that ashwagandha may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effects, which could be beneficial for managing certain symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Cognitive Function: Ashwagandha might improve cognitive function and memory, which can be helpful since cognitive impairment is sometimes associated with bipolar disorder.
Overall Mood Stabilization: By promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress, ashwagandha may contribute to overall mood stabilization.

Passionflower

Passionflower is an herb that is often used for its calming effects and potential benefits in reducing anxiety and improving sleep. While it is not a primary treatment for bipolar disorder, it may offer some supportive benefits:

Anxiety Reduction: Passionflower is known for its anxiolytic properties, which can help reduce anxiety levels. This might be beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder who experience anxiety as part of their symptoms.
Improved Sleep: Many people use passionflower to help with insomnia or sleep disturbances. Better sleep can contribute to mood stabilization and overall well-being, which is important for managing bipolar disorder.
Mood Stabilization: Passionflower may help stabilize mood swings by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, although it should not be relied upon as a sole treatment.

Include Yoga and Meditation in Your Life

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms by means of yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation are great additions to your daily life. They can help you manage stress, boost mindfulness, and improve your overall well-being. Adding these practices to your routine can do wonders for both your mind and body.

Yoga is all about moving through different poses to build strength, flexibility, and balance in your body. It also includes breathing techniques to help calm your mind and keep you focused on the present. There are lots of styles to choose from, like Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, each offering its own vibe and benefits.

Meditation is all about training your mind to focus and stay in the moment without judgment. You can try guided meditations or just sit quietly, focusing on your breath or a mantra. Doing it regularly can help lower stress, ease anxiety, and boost your mental well-being.

Living With Bipolar 2

Living with bipolar 2 has been interesting. When you’re manic, there has never been a dull moment. But when you come crashing down, that’s another story. You just feel like laying in bed all day long sleeping. You don’t want to deal with life.

Then the next moment, you’re full of energy waiting to take on the world. It’s like riding a rollercoaster that never stops. I know I loved my highs to a point. When I got into trouble because of them, they stopped being fun.

When I took artane, it put me in that high mode, but I didn’t go on spending sprees. It made me more self-confident of myself, something I desperately craved for. Then that feeling slowly started collapsing inward. I started having anxiety and panic attacks from it. Moral of the story, don’t abuse the meds you’re supposed to take, because they can turn around and bite you in the but. It took me a long time to get off of artane, because I still kept looking for that “high.”

Sum It All Up

How to actually deal with bipolar 2 symptoms one day at a time. When I was diagnosed with bipolar 2, I believe I was put on lithium. If you don’t know about lithium, it dries everything inside you out. You’re constantly drinking. But yet, after taking it for a while, I still had episodes of highs and lows. My memory is a little fuzzy after having ECT around that time.

Throughout the years, my moods were still going up and down. I bought a whole wardrobe of clothes that I definitely couldn’t fit into. I still have them thinking, well maybe one day…yeah right! Although, I think because I paid so much for them, I don’t want to give them up.

Nowadays, thanks to Valerian Root, my spending sprees are over with. My frame of mind is more even, no fluctuations. So, talk to your doctor and ask them what they think about Valerian Root. You never know, they may go for it. Peace and always love. Until next time…

Articles About Bipolar 2 Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder

What is Bipolar II Disorder?

Bipolar 1 Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder: What Are the Differences?

Bipolar eyes: Windows to the pole?

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy,
“One Voice Living With Bipolar 2 Disorder”

“Sometimes it takes an overwhelming breakdown to have an undeniable breakthrough.” – Unknown

“The mania is like wasps under the skin, like my head’s going to explode with ideas.” – Alice Weaver Flaherty

“Do I fear the sleepless nights? You have no idea how long the dark lasts when you cannot close your eyes to it.” – Tyler Knott Gregson

“Depression is a painfully slow, crashing death. Mania is the other extreme, a wild roller coaster run off its tracks.” – Unknown

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