Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging as it affects one’s mood, energy level, activity, and ability to function properly. Bipolar disorder causes episodes of mood swings ranging from emotional highs to lows. These high and low periods can affect how you relate to other people at work or school, how you perform your daily tasks, and how you feel about yourself.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder starts by knowing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. You will learn about symptoms of mania and depression. We will also go over some general symptoms of bipolar disorder.
When you or someone you know is familiar with these symptoms, you can take steps to get help and learn how to manage bipolar disorder.
Manic Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
A defining feature of bipolar disorder is manic episodes or hypomanic episodes. Mania is defined as heightened emotional states that can border on erratic, and hypomania is characterized by less severe mood swings. Learn to spot the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder during manic episodes.
Extra Energy or Elevated Mood/Premature Optimism
If someone is experiencing mania, they may feel wired, like they are on top of the world, or that they can do no wrong. They may exhibit behaviors such as feeling extra energized, restless, unusually happy, or feeling grandiose.
Decreased Need for Sleep
In bipolar mania, individuals will feel less need for sleep but will not feel tired. Someone experiencing mania may feel extra refreshed after only a couple of hours of sleep and feel wired day and night.
Risky Behavior
Because individuals experiencing mania may exhibit low impulse control and feel like they are on top of the world, they may take more risks such as gambling, buying sprees, unsafe sex, and may even make life changing decisions quickly.
Pressured Speech
Rapid and excessive talking is another symptom of mania. Someone may talk more than usual, rapidly jump from topic to topic, or feel as though they can’t stop talking.
Poor Concentration
Although your energy may feel like it empowers you during mania, it can actually make you feel less focused. Mania affects your ability to reason, which can make it hard to get things done or maintain relationships.
Irritability
Unlike hypomania, mania can cause people to feel angry or aggressive. Mania can begin with feelings of euphoria and excitement, but can develop into irritability if things don’t go your way.
Depressive Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Manic episodes aren’t the only episodes bipolar disorder causes. Bipolar disorder can cause long periods of deep depression as well. Depression can mess with your mood, your body, and everything in between. Here are some signs & symptoms of bipolar disorder when experiencing a depressive episode.
Feeling Sad or Hopeless
Depression causes people to feel overwhelmingly sad or hopeless for long periods of time. You may feel as though you have no future because you are filled with guilt, worthlessness, or despair.
Tiredness and Lack of Energy
When you’re depressed, you may feel tired all of the time. You may sleep for days and still not have the energy to get out of bed, go to work, or clean your house.
Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
Some people who are depressed have trouble sleeping at night. Other people sleep too much, or what’s called hypersomnia. Depression can make it very difficult to get a good nights rest.
Loss of Interest
Have you ever lost interest in your favorite hobby or stopped hanging out with your friends? When you’re depressed, you may lose interest in everything you normally love to do. This may make you feel alone or feel as though you don’t care about others.
Trouble Concentrating
Depression can make it hard to remember things. It can make you feel like you don’t have the mental capacity to concentrate on your work or make simple decisions. You may feel like you can’t get your thoughts together.
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Have you ever lost your appetite when you felt depressed? Some people who are depressed eat more than usual. Depression can cause your appetite to increase or decrease.
Thinking of Death or Suicide
Feeling suicidal, wanting to hurt yourself, or not caring if you live or die are serious symptoms of depression. If you experience any of these thoughts, you should seek help or ask someone to help you immediately
General Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is not always easy to diagnose because it includes both manic and depressive episodes, often occurring in cycles that vary in length and intensity. In addition to the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder during manic and depressive phases, there are general indicators to consider.
Mood Swings That Are Dramatic and Out of Character
The defining feature of bipolar disorder is distinct mood swings that disrupt day-to-day life. Sudden shifts from excessive energy and enthusiasm to intense sadness or withdrawal are red flags.
Difficulty Maintaining Relationships
The unpredictable mood changes associated with bipolar disorder can make it challenging to sustain healthy interpersonal relationships. Family members, friends, and coworkers may struggle to understand the sudden changes in behavior.
Impacts on Daily Functioning
Bipolar disorder affects performance in work, school, and home life. During depressive phases, tasks can feel insurmountable, while during manic phases, impulsive decisions may compromise long-term stability.
Mixed Episodes of Mania and Depression
Some individuals experience mixed episodes, where symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. For example, someone may feel highly energetic while also experiencing sadness or hopelessness.
Substance Abuse
As individuals attempt to self-medicate or escape the effects of their mood swings, substance use disorders can become an associated struggle alongside bipolar disorder.
Getting Help for Bipolar Disorder
Are you or someone you know struggling with signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder? You’re not alone, and professional help is available. Bipolar disorder can be treated and controlled with therapy, mood medications, and help from trained mental health professionals.
By getting help early, people with bipolar disorder can get their lives back on track. Horizon Healing Centers offers structured outpatient services, counseling and psychiatric services for those suffering from bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.
Don’t let bipolar disorder define you. There are ways to control your symptoms and live your best life. Please call today.
