There is a strong correlation between anxiety patients and patients suffering from bipolar disorder. In fact, more than half of the people who suffer from bipolar disorder tend to develop intense anxiousness, which can sometimes develop as a separate disorder if left untreated. Anxiety disorder is actually an umbrella expression encompassing several conditions related with anxiousness, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks; regardless, all of these disorders seem to be closely associated with bipolar disorder.
Anxiety can just be a symptom of bipolar disorder, or it a separate condition. When it’s just a symptom, patients tend to describe it as a persistent state of restlessness and on-going agitation: they will have trouble sitting still or staying quiet; they will tend to shuffle their feet and hands or pace around the room. They will bite their nails and develop all kinds of nervous ticks; in bipolar patients who also have depression, this restlessness can be particularly troublesome. Patients will often turn to substance abuse as a way to find respite from their suffering, and in extreme cases suicide attempts are all too common, unfortunately.
When patients develop full-fledged anxiety disorders over time, dealing with bipolar disorder can be extremely challenging, since both disorders will amplify each other. When these conditions aren’t properly diagnosed, disaster can ensue; therapists may focus on anxiety and overlook bipolar disorder. This can be extremely troublesome because most pharmaceutics used to treat anxiety actually make bipolar disorder worse. As such, if you have been diagnosed with bipolar, you should be very attentive to the medications you are prescribed, and if your therapist has suggested you take anti-depressants, it’s probably better asking for a second opinion.
As a matter of fact, my personal opinion is that anxiety drugs are never a good way to manage anxious conditions, regardless of whether the patient also has bipolar disorder. There are much better ways to deal with anxiousness without having to take dangerous medications. In fact, there’s no shortage of natural therapies which may improve several aspects of the patient’s life (such as health and vitality), while simultaneously contributing towards management of anxiety.
Even though anxiety disorder is a complex condition, simple strategies may have a powerful influence dismissing its effects: some examples include making specific adjustments to the patient’s diet, seeking increased levels of physical activity, finding new hobbies, and trying relaxation therapies such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises. If you’re just looking for new coping mechanisms, you should also consider making some important lifestyle adjustments that will make your recovery considerably easier.
