What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

We all have days when we feel up and days when we feel down. Riding this emotional roller coaster is a normal part of life. But when do these mood swings become something more? If you find that your moods shift intensely, last for extended periods and disrupt your daily life, you may be dealing with bipolar disorder. Understanding the symptoms the first step toward getting the right support. At CNSL, we’re here to help you cope with your mental health experiences. Our compassionate therapists offer a non-judgmental space to explore your feelings and create a treatment plan that works for you.

The key signs of bipolar disorder often include:

• Manic Episodes: Periods of unusually high energy, elevated mood and restlessness.
• Depressive Episodes: Periods of intense sadness, low energy and loss of interest in activities.
• Significant Life Disruption: These mood episodes are severe enough to interfere with your job, relationships and daily responsibilities.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. These shifts, or episodes, can last for days, weeks or even months. Unlike the normal ups and downs most people experience, the mood swings in bipolar disorder are severe and can affect your ability to function. Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience states of stable mood, but the cycles of mania and depression are the condition’s defining feature.

It’s a lifelong condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is manageable. Understanding the specific types of episodes is crucial for recognizing the disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of a Manic Episode?

A manic episode is characterized by an unusually elevated or irritable mood, combined with increased energy and activity. To be diagnosed as manic, this state must last for at least one week and represent a noticeable change from your usual behavior.

People in a manic state can feel euphoric and full of grand ideas, but they can also become irritable and aggressive. This is an intense and often disruptive state that can lead to impulsive or risky behavior.

Key signs of a manic episode include:

• Feeling unusually “high,” euphoric or overly excited.
• Extreme irritability or anger.
• A reduced need for sleep without feeling tired.
• Talking much faster than usual or having racing thoughts.
• Being easily distracted.
• Engaging in reckless behaviors like excessive spending, substance use or unsafe sex.
• An inflated sense of self-importance or power.

In severe instances, a manic episode can involve psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, which may require hospitalization.

What Are the Symptoms of a Depressive Episode?

A depressive episode in bipolar disorder involves the same symptoms as major depression. These periods of low mood are characterized by a persistent feeling of hopelessness and a loss of interest in almost all activities. For a diagnosis, these symptoms must last for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• Overwhelming sadness, emptiness or hopelessness.
• Significant loss of energy and persistent fatigue.
• Losing interest or finding no pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little).
• Fluctuations in appetite, resulting in either weight loss or gain.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

These episodes can be debilitating, making it difficult to get out of bed, go to work or interact with loved ones.

How Does Bipolar Disorder Impact Daily Life?

The intense and unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on many areas of your life.

• Relationships: Mood swings strain relationships. Manic phases can cause conflict through impulsive behavior, while depressive phases lead to withdrawal.
• Career: Bipolar disorder affects job performance. Depression hinders focus and motivation, while mania can cause poor judgment and workplace conflicts, potentially leading to job loss and financial instability.

Reclaim Your Life and Find Balance

Identifying the symptoms of bipolar disorder is a crucial first step in effectively managing the condition. While the cycles of mania and depression can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to face them alone. Treatments like therapy and medication can help you stabilize your moods, improve your relationships and regain control over your life.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek support. Contact CNSL today to speak with a therapist who listens and can help create a treatment plan that works just for you.