Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental health disorder that usually requires long-term, if not life-long, treatment. It's characterized by intense highs and lows known as major depressive and manic episodes, and the disorder can significantly impact a person's ability to function on a daily basis. Treatment for this disorder includes therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Sometimes a psychiatric hospitalization is needed in order to stabilize a person's mood during a manic or major depressive episode.
Changes in Mood
One of the most prevalent signs that someone is suffering from bipolar disorder is noteworthy changes in the person's mood. Someone suffering from this disorder might find himself extremely sad and depressed for a couple of weeks and then feeling euphoric or irritable for a week or longer. Everyone experiences sadness, irritability and happiness as well as mood swings; however, someone suffering from bipolar disorder will have extremely intense feelings. He might be so sad that he can't get out of bed and go to work or so happy and euphoric that he feels like he can accomplish anything--such as coming up with the cure to cancer, even though he isn't a doctor or scientist.
Eating and Sleeping Issues
The Mayo Clinic reports that people who are depressed or manic usually have issues eating and sleeping. When someone is depressed she may suffer from insomnia even though she really is fatigued, or she might sleep for days at a time and refuse to get out bed. Also, someone suffering from depression might not have any appetite or may turn to food to cope with her feelings and eat a lot more than she normally does. A person who's manic will have little need for sleep. She might be able to get away with sleeping for only two hours each night and still have lots of energy all day long. Many times, someone experiencing a manic phase won't eat very much. Usually you'll see significant changes in the person's weight.
Occupational and Social Issues
People who have bipolar disorder will experience social and occupational issues due to the symptoms of this disorder. While depressed, they may not complete projects on time at work or may not show up for work. They might get demoted or fired. It's also likely that a person who's depressed will isolate himself from others and will stop doing things he used to find pleasurable. While manic, a person may become really irritable, irrational and aggressive, which will impact her ability to maintain relationships and hold down a steady job.
Risky Behaviors and Suicidal Ideation
A person's risk for suicide increases when she is experiencing a manic or depressive episode. Also, when manic, people are more likely to go on spending sprees, have unprotected sex, use large quantities of drugs and alcohol and participate in other risk-taking behaviors such as drinking and driving.
