Bipolar Disorder
While we all experience mood changes in response to life’s events, some people’s moods fluctuate up and down much more than usual. People with bipolar disorder can have extreme moods of feeling high, very active and euphoric (‘manic’) or feeling really low (‘depression’).
When these shifts in moods cause changes in how you’re behaving and how you can function in your everyday life, it’s important to get help.
Bipolar symptoms during a manic phase may include:
- feeling incredibly high or euphoric,
- delusions of self-importance,
- high levels of creativity, energy, and activity,
- getting much less sleep or no sleep,
- poor appetite and weight loss,
- racing thoughts or speech,
- highly irritable, impatient or aggressive,
- grand and unrealistic plans,
- poor concentration,
- delusions,
- and hallucinations.
Bipolar symptoms during a depressed phase may include:
- feelings of sadness or hopelessness,
- loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities,
- withdrawal from family and friends,
- sleep problems (often excessive sleep),
- loss of energy or feeling exhausted,
- low self-esteem,
- problems concentrating,
- and suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder is a term used to describe a group of mental health problems. It’s important to seek help from a highly qualified mental health professional so you have a good understanding of your symptoms and type of bipolar disorder.
