Talking about symptoms is easy. We can discuss signs to watch for, triggers that set us off, and patterns that change. Recognizing the shifting bipolar symptoms in others takes careful observation. But what about identifying those same symptoms in ourselves?
To identify a behavior change, we have to be able to know what our normal behavior patterns are, and compare the differences. For example, if you suddenly have trouble sleeping and spend vast amounts of time organizing or cleaning closets, you should be able to notice the difference from a normal sleep pattern. There are other changes, some not as easy to recognize, that take longer to connect as a bipolar problem. Thoughts that are never verbalized are difficult for others to equate as a change.
When we have a loved one with bipolar, we watch them closer, to help identify problems before they are out of control. But if we have the bipolar, we have to take an honest look at our behavior and admit the change to someone we trust can help us.
No comments:
Post a Comment