Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression because it causes severe shifts in moods that cycle from an elevated euphoria to extreme depression. According to Sunshinefromdarkness.org, as many as 20 percent of people who visit their doctor for depression actually suffer from bipolar disorder. While there is no cure for this condition, recognizing its symptoms can lead to early treatment and intervention.
Manic Episodes
A variety of emotions are typically felt and expressed during a manic episode. It typically begins with high energy levels, feelings of euphoria and believing you are invincible. According to HelpGuide.org, a state of mania may feel good when it begins, but you then begin to lose control and reckless behavior takes over. It may end with outbursts of anger or hostility if someone chastises you for your actions.
You may also sleep little but maintain a high energy level, talk so quickly it makes it difficult for those around you to understand you, find it hard to concentrate, become unusually optimistic or extremely irritable and in severe cases, suffer from hallucinations or delusions.
Signs of Depression
Depression in a person with bipolar varies from clinical depression without a bipolar diagnosis. When suffering from depression due to bipolar, taking antidepressants rarely helps, and in fact may make your situation worse. According to HelpGuide.org, bipolar depression has a tendency to cause weight gain, feelings of guilt and mood swings that are not predictable. Its most common symptoms include feeling hopeless or empty inside, changes in your appetite or weight and insomnia. You may also find yourself moving slower than usual due to extreme fatigue or complete loss of energy, feeling worthless or having thoughts of suicide.
Hypomania and Its Symptoms
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, and while you may experience high energy levels or feel euphoric, these feelings will generally not interfere with your ability to function or perform necessary tasks at school, work or home. Unlike a manic episode, hypomanic episodes to not cause you to lose complete touch with reality, and you may just appear to be in a good mood. There is still the risk of making poor decisions that can damage your relationships, finances or career, and in most cases hypomania episodes are followed either by a full-blown manic or depressive episode.
Recognizing a Mixed Episode
When experiencing a mixed episode, you are experiencing a combination of a manic and depressive episode. You may also experience a combination of a hypomania or depressive episode. It is common for you to feel irritable and anxious, agitated and easily distracted. During this time you may also from insomnia. According to HelpGuide.org, you will be at a high risk for suicide due to the combination of high energy and low moods.
