Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and behavior.

It is characterized by episodes of mania, which is an abnormally elevated or irritable mood, and depression, which is a feeling of intense sadness or hopelessness. Bipolar disorder affects around 2.6% of Americans over the age of 18, and it is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment.

1. Extreme Mood Swings

The hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder is extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder can experience periods of intense emotional highs, known as mania, and periods of severe emotional lows, known as depression.

These mood swings can occur rapidly and unpredictably, or they can last for weeks or months.

2. Agitation and Irritability

During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder may become agitated, irritable, and easily frustrated. They may have trouble concentrating or sitting still, and they may engage in risky or impulsive behavior.

They may also be more irritable or impatient than usual, and they may have difficulty controlling their emotions.

3. Grandiosity and Delusions of Grandeur

People with bipolar disorder may experience grandiosity, which is an inflated sense of self-esteem or self-importance. They may feel like they are invincible or destined for greatness, and they may engage in reckless or dangerous behaviors as a result.

They may also experience delusions of grandeur, which are false beliefs about their own abilities or accomplishments.

4. Racing Thoughts and Rapid Speech

During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder often experience racing thoughts and rapid speech. They may jump from one topic to another or speak so quickly that others cannot keep up.

They may also have trouble sleeping, as their thoughts may race even when they are trying to rest.

5. Trouble Sleeping

Insomnia is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, especially during manic episodes. People with bipolar disorder may feel like they don’t need as much sleep as they normally do, or they may feel like they can’t sleep at all.

They may also have trouble staying asleep, as their thoughts may race even when they are trying to rest.

Related Article Bipolar Blues: Recognizing the Signs of Manic Depression

6. Fatigue and Loss of Energy

During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may experience fatigue and loss of energy. They may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, and they may feel like they don’t have the energy to accomplish even simple tasks.

They may also feel lethargic or slowed down, both physically and mentally.

7. Feelings of Worthlessness and Hopelessness

During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may experience intense feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. They may feel like they are worthless, helpless, or hopeless, and they may believe that things will never get better.

They may also have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

8. Changes in Appetite or Weight

People with bipolar disorder may experience changes in appetite or weight, especially during depressive episodes. They may have little appetite and lose weight, or they may overeat and gain weight.

These changes in appetite and weight can be significant and may affect a person’s physical health.

9. Difficulty Concentrating

Both manic and depressive episodes can make it difficult for people with bipolar disorder to concentrate. During manic episodes, they may have too many racing thoughts to focus on any one thing.

During depressive episodes, they may have trouble thinking clearly or remembering things.

10. Loss of Interest in Activities

People with bipolar disorder may experience a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, especially during depressive episodes. They may feel like nothing is fun or pleasurable anymore, and they may withdraw from family and friends.

They may also have trouble finding the motivation to do anything at all.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and behavior. It is characterized by episodes of mania and depression, and it can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.