What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health disorder that causes intense changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts are different in degree from the usual ups and downs that everyone experiences. Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience mood episodes that range from very high, energetic, and euphoric highs to very low levels of depression that disrupt daily life. Understanding the signs of the disorder is essential to know when a mood change may indicate something other than a routine mood shift, and determining when one should seek help.
The Two Sides of Bipolar Disorder: Highs and Lows
Bipolar disorder is a condition that identifies the changes in mood with periods of mania or hypomania and depression. Each of these has its own symptoms, and the degree or time of the symptoms can be different for each person.
Mania is described as an elevated or very irritable mood, increased activity, and often accompanied by impulsivity. When feeling manic, individuals may feel unusually confident, energetic, or restless.
Depression is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, low motivation, and a lack of pleasure in doing things once enjoyed. It can make even the simplest of daily tasks feel very difficult.
There are some people who turn from one extreme to the other within a year or even a month, while others may have long periods of stability between their episodes. Knowing the two sides is key to understanding how bipolar disorder presents itself.
Signs of a Manic or Hypomanic Episode
At the very beginning, a manic episode might even feel good, like a sudden burst of productivity, creativity, or motivation, but it eventually can escalate out of control. Typical symptoms are:
- Increased energy, activity, or restlessness
- Less need for sleep, feeling rested after only a couple hours of sleep
- Racing thoughts or speaking unusually fast
- Very high confidence or grandiose ideas
- Making impulsive decisions, like excessive spending or risky behavior
A milder version of mania, hypomania, has the same symptoms but may not impinge on the daily routine to the same extent. But it still is a major departure from a person’s normal state of mind. Helping recognize these early warning signs can be a way of preventing more severe episodes or consequences.
Signs of a Depressive Episode
The depressive phase in bipolar disorder is typically the phase that continues for longer and is more debilitating than mania. Some of the symptoms may be:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Losing interest in or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue or lacking motivation
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
In severe cases, episodes might also include thoughts of death or suicide, emphasizing the need to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. The abrupt shift between the manic state and the depressive state can feel disorienting and tiring for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Recognizing the Patterns
The most distinguishing feature of bipolar disorder compared to other mental health illnesses is the recurring cycles of mood changes. Such mood episodes can be of varying durations from a few days to weeks, or even months, and can also be followed by stable periods.
It might take people a considerable amount of time before they become aware of these cycles, particularly if the manic or hypomanic episodes happen to feel good or productive at first. The use of journaling, apps, or therapy to keep track of mood changes can be very beneficial to both the individuals and the therapists in recognizing the bigger picture. Knowing the ups and downs helps providers be more precise in their diagnosis and develop effective, personalized treatment plans.
When to Seek Professional Help
It is helpful to have an assessment by a mental health professional if you or someone close to you experiences repeated mood changes that impact friendships/relationships, work, or functioning in general. A qualified mental health professional can assist in the diagnosis of whether those mood changes are characteristics of bipolar disorder.
When people first hear the phrase “bipolar disorder,” it can be frightening. However, it’s important to know that it is a manageable condition. With treatment, including medications, therapy, and a support system, people can have long-term stability and lead very fulfilling lives. The earlier you can get treatment, the better the results and reduction of the onset and severity of future episodes.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not the end. Instead, it opens the door to finding the tools necessary for balance. Recovery is possible through therapy, support of family, and ongoing treatment.
Resources, such as MDDCare, can help you find clinics that are reputable and specialize in mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Whether you’re thinking about getting a diagnosis, seeking treatment, or helping someone who has bipolar disorder, recognizing the signs is your first step towards hope and healing.