Signs You Might Have Bipolar Disorder

While life is full of ups and downs, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can amplify even the smallest challenges, turning everyday stresses into overwhelming obstacles. Some 5 million American adults experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.

At Free Range Mental Health, we offer compassionate, comprehensive care for bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Our team is dedicated to providing you with support and resources to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that involves alternating periods of extreme highs and intense lows. Understanding the signs of bipolar disorder can be the key to finding the help you deserve. Let’s take a look at some key indicators of this condition.

Manic episodes

Manic episodes are often mistaken for simply feeling happy or excited. However, during a manic episode you may experience an unusually elevated mood and other symptoms, such as:

• Racing thoughts
• Impulsive behavior
• Irritability
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased talkativeness
• Inflated self-esteem or delusions of grandeur
• Hallucinations

While manic episodes may feel exhilarating at first, they can quickly become overwhelming and interfere with your daily life, leading to problems at work, school, and in relationships. You may also engage in risky behaviors like excessive spending, substance abuse, or reckless driving.

In some cases, individuals who have bipolar disorder may experience hypomania, a less severe form of manic episode. Hypomania shares some of the same symptoms as mania, without the same level of intensity. Hypomanic episodes can also be a symptom of bipolar disorder.

Depressive episodes

Studies suggest that up to 20% of people who think they have depression may actually be living with bipolar disorder. The symptoms can be similar, particularly if you’re not aware of manic or hypomanic episodes. 

Watch out for these signs that can indicate a depressive episode:

• Pervasive sense of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Appetite loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm

Depressive episodes can have a devastating impact on your life, leading to social isolation, difficulty at work or school, or even feeling like life isn’t worth living. Remember,  these feelings aren’t a sign of weakness or a personal failing, but symptoms of a treatable mental health condition.

A complex combination

Bipolar disorder goes beyond simple mood swings, however. People who have this challenging mental health condition may also experience mixed episodes, a combination of manic and depressive symptoms. 

Your mood may fluctuate rapidly, swinging from euphoria to crushing sadness within a short period of time.

Other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, can exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Our team can help you determine the underlying causes of your struggles and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Are you ready to take control of your mental health? The team at Free Range Mental Health provides you with the support and guidance you need to manage your condition and be your best self. Call or book an appointment online at our Northfield, Minnesota, practice today.