Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Most people with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania and depression.

Symptoms of a manic or hypomanic (not a full manic episode) episode include:

Racing thoughts
Increased energy
Elevated or high feeling
Feeling jumpy or wired
Speaking faster than usual
Decreased need for sleep
Agitation or irritability
An exaggerated sense of self-confidence, feeling unusually important or talented
Risk-taking behaviors, such as spending/giving away lots of money, eating or drinking excessively, or having reckless sex

Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

Feeling sad or hopeless
Decreased energy
Sleeping too little or too much, waking up too early, trouble falling asleep
Difficulty enjoying things that are normally pleasurable
Forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Eating too much or too little
Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, tell a trusted family member or friend AND call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

Types of Bipolar disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are three common types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder: a manic episode that lasts for seven days or more days; manic episodes are usually severe enough to require hospitalization; manic episodes are often accompanied by depressive periods that last at least two weeks.
Bipolar II disorder: a pattern of manic and depressive episodes, where the manic episodes are not severe enough for hospitalization.
Cyclothymic Disorder: symptoms of hypomania and depression that last for two years or more (one year in children), but are not severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria of Bipolar I or II disorder

Treatment

Find a counselor and attend sessions regularly (this is important!)
Find a psychiatrist in your area (talk to your counselor/medical doctor for references)
Try alternative approaches like ketamine infusions, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, over the counter supplements (at your own risk)
Take your bipolar medication regularly (this is very important because people with bipolar will often stop taking medications because they are “feeling better”)
Keep a daily log of medications taken, moods, and menstrual cycles; share these with your counselor and psychiatrist
Do exercises/movements that help you relax, focus and reduce stress
Participate in fun, affirming and creative activities; give yourself something to look forward to
Create a daily to-do list to cross off (this may allow for dopamine to release in your body and also increase focus)
Avoid drugs and alcohol as this will aggravate symptoms
Allow yourself to be exposed to natural light
Avoid caffeine, sugar, and heavily salted foods
Change the stimulation in your environment that negatively affects you like bright lights, loud noise, etc.
Attend a local support group (like www.dbsalliance.org)

If you are in crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. All calls are confidential.