15 Signs of Bipolar Disorder | What You MUST Know
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder is essential for seeking treatment and improving quality of life.
Ever wonder if you have Bipolar disorder or are you confused about what Bipolar disorder is? How do you recognize Bipolar disorder? Let’s dive deeper into understand some telltale signs and how you, or someone you love, can get the help needed to thrive once more.
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1. Extreme Mood Swings
Bipolar disorder is marked by significant mood changes, from manic highs to depressive lows. These shifts can occur suddenly or over weeks (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
2. Increased Energy During Mania
During a manic or hypomanic episode, individuals may feel unusually energetic and productive. This burst of energy can result in taking on multiple tasks or starting new projects with enthusiasm.
3. Decreased Need for Sleep
In manic states, individuals often feel little need for sleep. They may sleep for only a few hours yet still feel rested and ready to take on the day (Harvey et al., 2005).
4. Rapid Speech
During manic episodes, individuals may talk quickly or have pressured speech. They might jump from one topic to another, making it hard for others to follow the conversation.
5. Impulsive or Risky Behaviors
People experiencing mania may engage in risky activities, such as gambling, spending sprees, or reckless driving. These impulsive actions are often driven by a heightened sense of confidence.
6. Irritability During Mania
Manic episodes are not always euphoric. Some individuals may feel extremely irritable, especially when their behavior is questioned or interrupted.
7. Grandiosity
Grandiosity refers to an inflated sense of self-importance or abilities. During mania, individuals with bipolar disorder may believe they have special powers, are invincible, or can accomplish anything.
8. Depressive Episodes
Bipolar disorder includes periods of depression, where individuals may feel overwhelmingly sad, hopeless, or empty. These depressive episodes often last for weeks.
9. Loss of Interest in Activities
During depressive phases, individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, including hobbies, work, and socializing.
10. Fatigue or Low Energy During Depression
Fatigue and low energy are common during depressive episodes. Even daily tasks like getting out of bed or showering can feel like a major effort.
11. Difficulty Concentrating
Bipolar disorder can impair concentration and focus, making it hard to follow through with tasks. This is especially noticeable during both manic and depressive episodes (Clark et al., 2002).
12. Feelings of Worthlessness
During depressive episodes, individuals may experience intense feelings of worthlessness or guilt. These feelings can be disproportionate to the actual circumstances.
13. Suicidal Thoughts
In severe cases, individuals with bipolar disorder may have thoughts of death or suicide, particularly during depressive episodes. Suicidal thoughts are a medical emergency and require immediate attention (Novick et al., 2010).
14. Psychosis
In severe manic or depressive episodes, some individuals with bipolar disorder may experience psychosis. This can include hallucinations or delusions, such as believing in things that aren’t real.
15. Unstable Relationships
The extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can make it challenging to maintain stable relationships. Friends, family, and partners may struggle to understand the sudden changes in behavior and mood.
How to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is showing signs of bipolar disorder, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Treatment for bipolar disorder can include therapy, medication, and alternative treatments like ketamine therapy, which is showing promise for those resistant to traditional treatments. For the best online ketamine therapy, please visit the amazing providers at Innerwell. Their knowledge is second to none and compassion sets the standard.
Bipolar disorder can be a difficult condition to manage, but recognizing the signs and seeking early treatment can make a world of difference. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to a mental health professional today.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Clark, L., Iversen, S. D., & Goodwin, G. M. (2002). Sustained attention deficit in bipolar disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry, 180(4), 313-319. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.180.4.313
Harvey, A. G., Schmidt, D. A., Scarna, A., Semler, C. N., & Goodwin, G. M. (2005). Sleep-related functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, patients with insomnia, and subjects without sleep problems. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(1), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.1.50
Novick, D. M., Swartz, H. A., & Frank, E. (2010). Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: A review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disorders, 12(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00786.x
