Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) affects nearly six million adults in the United States and is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. This serious brain disorder manifests itself in two ways: mania (highs) and depression (lows).
Most people with bipolar disorder experience depression more often than mania. It is during a bout of bipolar depression that people are more likely to experience serious disability and thoughts of suicide. It is also a time when sufferers seek out professional help and get a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The signs and symptoms of a depressive episode are listed below:
- Sleeping more than usual
- Being unable to enjoy activities that used to bring pleasure
- Suffering with intense, crippling sadness
- Feeling extremely irritable
- Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight
- Feeling apathetic—unable to get excited or upset about anything
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Suffering from low self-esteem
- Having difficulty paying attention and making decisions
- Frequently thinking about death and suicide
- Suffering from psychosis—either delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (false perceptions), or both
Depressive episodes can be crippling for the sufferer and can make daily activities—at home and at work—impossible to complete. While many people can be successfully treated for bipolar disorder, others continue to have severe mood swings and are unable to work. If you have been denied benefits for your bipolar disorder, let a Social Security Disability attorney at Schmidt Kramer help with your appeal. Our experienced attorneys focus on Social Security law and can help you get the benefits you deserve. We will provide you with a free case consultation and get your case moving again. Call us today at (717) 888-8888—we can help!