Bipolar disorder is considered a “mood disorder.” Whereas major depressive disorder is considered as “uni-polar” (meaning just one pole or mood of depression), “bi-polar” (meaning two poles of mania and depression) means that the person’s mood can vacillate between feeling “up” and feeling “down.” Here are some symptoms of mania and depression in bipolar disorder.
Manic symptoms
- Feeling “up,” “high,” full of energy or feeling overly happy or optimistic
- Feeling extremely irritable, agitated, or edgy
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Racing thoughts where your mind jumps from one idea to another
- Distractibility
- Talking very fast
- Goal-directed activities or starting new projects
- Needing less sleep – feeling rested only after a few hours of sleep
- Impulsive behaviors that may be risky such as spending sprees, impulsive sexual behaviors, or impulsive business endeavors
Depression symptoms
- Feeling depressed, down, or sad nearly every day
- Decreased interest in all, or almost all, activities most of the time
- Changes in appetite – either increased or decreased
- Changes in sleep – getting either more or less sleep than normal
- Loss of energy or feeling tired nearly every day
- Feeling restless
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling more indecisive than usual
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
It’s important to seek help right away if you or someone you know has had symptoms of mania or depression. If you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting yourself, contact Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at 454-3521 or 911 immediately.
Along with psychiatric medication, therapy can be very helpful in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and can help get your life back on track. Leading a healthy, balanced, and content life with bipolar disorder is possible. The first step to emotional well-being may be asking for help.
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