Bipolar II disorder consists of episodes of hypomania and major depression. It's a disorder characterized by highs and lows, and the hypomanic episodes are considered the highs. Hypomania is a less-severe form of mania, which is a serious mental health issue that can lead to psychiatric hospitalizations, problems with the law and death. Treatment for bipolar II disorder includes individual psychotherapy, family therapy, support groups and medication.
Mood
Someone who is experiencing a hypomanic episode will either have an elevated mood or seem extremely irritable. The person might be incredibly happy and go about her day like nothing can make her upset. If the person becomes irritable, she might become aggressive towards family members, friends or coworkers. This mood change might occur after a period of major depression or after a period of time in which her mood was normal.
Behavior
Hypomania makes people believe they're almost invincible to death and to getting into trouble. Someone who's experiencing a hypomanic episode might participate in risky behaviors that he wouldn't do on a regular basis. He might drink and drive, gamble away most of his savings or take illegal drugs. People who are in hypomanic phase will have an increased sex drive. Therefore, he might be more likely to have unprotected sex with strangers or friends. Someone who's manic is more likely to exhibit these types of behaviors, but people who experience hypomanic episodes may also display dangerous behaviors.
Conversation
If you have a conversation with someone who is hypomanic, the person will be talking faster than she usually does. She might change the topic of the conversation multiple times, and it might be hard to keep up with what she is saying. You might feel lost while talking to her or misunderstand what she's saying.
Sleep
Someone who is hypomanic can get away without sleeping for a couple days or sleeping for only a few hours at night. He will still have lots of energy even though he's not sleeping regularly. If you have a friend who tells you that all of a sudden he's sleeping for only two hours at night, he might be in a hypomanic phase.
Occupational Signs
Someone who's hypomanic will be affected negatively at work. Many times, this mental health issue makes it difficult to concentrate. The person might not be able to meet deadlines at work or have focused conversations with her boss. She may come to work late or not come to work at all for a couple of days. She might be demoted or fired because of these issues.
