Bipolar Disorder & ADHD
Introduction
Bipolar disorder and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are two conditions that can make life challenging, especially when they occur together. Both affect how people think, feel, and act, but they are very different in how they work. In this blog, we’ll look at the symptoms of each condition, how to get a proper diagnosis, precautions to take when managing them, and how select lifestyle changes can help you naturally manage these issues.
Symptoms and Steps to Get a Diagnosis
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These can include manic episodes, where a person feels overly excited, energetic, or impulsive, and depressive episodes, where they feel very sad, tired, or hopeless.
ADHD is different. It’s a condition that affects focus and self-control. People with ADHD may struggle to pay attention, feel restless, or act without thinking.
Sometimes the symptoms of bipolar disorder and ADHD overlap. For example, both conditions can make someone impulsive or distractible. This overlap can make it hard to tell the difference between the two. That’s why getting the right diagnosis is so important. If you think you or someone you know might have one or both of these conditions, follow these steps:
Write Down Symptoms: Keep track of mood changes, energy levels, focus problems, and other behaviors over time. A month’s time is sufficient to gather ample data.
Talk to a Doctor: Visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and ADHD and request a full evaluation of your physical and mental well being.
- Rule Out Other Issues: Sometimes other medical problems or stress can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to check for those too. For example, thyroid health, heart health, addiction.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better and finding the right treatment plan.
Added Precautions for Managing Bipolar Disorder & ADHD
When someone has both bipolar disorder and ADHD, managing them together takes extra care because treatments for one condition might affect the other. Here are some precautions to keep in mind while specific advice from your healthcare provider:
Treat Bipolar Disorder First: Doctors usually focus on stabilizing mood swings before treating ADHD because some ADHD medications (like stimulants) can make manic episodes worse.
Watch for Medication Side Effects: Medications for either condition can sometimes cause unexpected side effects. Regular check-ins with your doctor are important to make sure everything is working as it should.
Stick to a Routine: A regular schedule for sleeping, eating, and exercising can help reduce mood swings and improve focus for both conditions.
Avoid Triggers: Stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, or alcohol can make symptoms worse for both bipolar disorder and ADHD. Try to avoid these triggers as much as possible.
Use Therapy: Talking with a therapist can help you learn ways to handle emotions, stay organized, and control impulsive behaviors.
By taking these precautions seriously, people with bipolar disorder and ADHD can improve their quality of life and reduce the impact of their symptoms.
How BP Harmony Can Help
Here at BP Harmony, we focus on natural ways to manage mental health challenges like bipolar disorder and ADHD by offering tools and support that work alongside traditional treatments to help people feel better naturally.
Here’s how Bipolar Harmony can help:
Community: Connect with a group of people going through a similar journey as you. The advice in the section above is easier said than done, but when you have the support and accountability from a group of experts and peers, you feel there is a chance to get control of life again.
Nutritional Guidance: So many chronic health issues are caused by poor diet. We have written blog posts about optimal nutrition for individuals with bipolar disorder here. However, we can also provide custom made nutrition plans for you based on your sex, age, weight, height, and physical activity. For now, avoid processed sugar, drink 100oz of water daily, eat only the foods mentioned in the blog post above with the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Mindfulness Techniques: the inability to focus is disruptive to life and frustrating to the individual and the people around them. Learning to still the mind by moving the body is something we specialize in here. Check out some of videos online to learn how to teach yourself to improve focus.
By focusing on natural solutions and healthy habits, we people with bipolar disorder and ADHD find balance in their lives.
Conclusion
Living with bipolar disorder or ADHD—or both—can be difficult at times, but there are ways to manage these conditions effectively. Understanding your symptoms, getting the right diagnosis, taking precautions with treatments, and using natural approaches like those offered by Bipolar Harmony can make a big difference in your life. With the right tools and support system in place, you can take control of your mental health journey one step at a time!
