November | 2017 | Write into the Light

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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood episodes ranging from mania to depression. Anxiety can be a symptom of bipolar disorder as stated by Dr. Emil Kraepelin, back in 1921. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) also claimed that anxiety is a symptom of bipolar disorder in a Task Force report on “mixed states” in bipolar disorder. They described this anxiety as:

General hyperarousal
Inner tension
Irritability/impatience
Agitation
“Frantically anxious”

Individuals in mixed states may feel increased energy and have racing thoughts while also experiencing hopelessness and despair. They may have insomnia and increased risky behavior but also feel empty and blank inside and have unexplained crying spells.

While anxiety can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, it can also be a separate condition in addition to bipolar disorder. Having more than one condition or disorder is referred to as “co-morbid” and basically means that the two conditions stand alone and are not a symptom of one or the other.

It is important to know the difference because if the anxiety is coming from the bipolar disorder then it should get better when the bipolar disorder gets better. If not, then when the bipolar disorder is stabilized, the anxiety may still persist.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. They include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Phobia
Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Specific Phobias

Regardless of whether the anxiety is a symptom of the bipolar disorder or in addition to the bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers are recommended as first line treatment choice due to the potentially mania-inducing risk of antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is sometimes then recommended even before antidepressants as well.

References:
psycheducation.org/diagnosis/mixed-states/anxiety-and-bipolar-disorder/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_brochures_bipolar_disorder_rapid_cycling

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

Racing heart
Shallow, rapid breaths
Tunnel vision
Sweaty palms
Feeling faint
Nausea, vomiting
Fear of going crazy
Crying
Shaking, tremors
Irritability
Increased sensitivity to sound, lights, touch
Inability to focus or concentrate

There is usually a precipitating factor or something that has caused or is causing the panic attack to occur. Or fear about future events or a future incident can incite an attack.

One way of dealing with it is to distract yourself from thinking about said event by reading a book, watching a show or playing a game. Draw, paint, listen to music or go for a relaxing walk. Find something to distract youself from your anxiety producing thoughts.

Another way to cope is to take a short nap. Sometimes your brain just needs a break and it is okay to give it one. Just make sure not to overdo this one as it can become chronic and unhealthy.

Talk to a trusted friend or professional to get the thoughts and feelings out of your head. Releasing them decreases the power they have over you. Also, problem solving ways to reduce anxiety is way more successful when you work on it with someone else. Keeping it to yourself only intensifies it. Trying to figure it out on your own only makes the anxiety worse.

When possible don’t.do.anything. Panic attacks are the body’s response to overstimulation. Resting in a quiet calming room may help tremendously. Experiment with what works best for you and take the time and breaks you need to let your system return to normal.

Panic attacks are scary. Uncomfortable at best. Not your fault. Be kind to yourself when they come. Get through them the best you can and move on. Talk to a healthcare professional if they become chronic or significantly interrupt your life or cause you serious adverse effects. There is medication and other treatment options that can help. You are not alone.