Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. The mood swings can range from extreme happiness (mania) to extreme sadness (depression). Episodes of mania and depression can often last for several weeks or more.
Depression
During a period of depression (low phase) your symptoms may include:
- feeling sad and hopeless
- lacking in energy
- difficulty concentrating and remembering things
- a loss of interest in everyday activities
- feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
- feelings of guilt and despair
- feeling pessimistic about everything
- self-doubt
- being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
- lack of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- waking up early
- suicidal thoughts
Mania
The manic (high) phase of bipolar disorder usually follows two to four episodes of depression and may include:
- feeling very happy, elated or euphoric (overjoyed)
- talking very quickly
- feeling full of energy
- feeling full of self-importance
- feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans
- being easily distracted
- being easily irritated or agitated
- being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
- not feeling like sleeping
- not eating
- doing pleasurable things that often have disastrous consequences, such as spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items.
Rapid cycling
If you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than you have episodes of mania (or vice versa).
Episodes of depression and mania are sometimes punctuated by periods or ‘normal’ mood. However, some people with bipolar disorder can swing from a high to low phase quickly without having a ‘normal’ period in between. This is known as rapid cycling.
Bipolar disorder is a condition of extremes
A person with bipolar disorder may be totally unaware of being in the manic phase of the condition. After the episode is over, they may be shocked at their behaviour. However, at the time, they may think that others are being negative or unhelpful.
Some people with bipolar disorder experience more frequent and severe episodes than others. Due to the extreme nature of the condition continuing in a job may be difficult and relationships may become strained. There is also an increased risk of suicide.
During episodes of mania and depression, someone with bipolar disorder may experience strange sensations, such as seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there (hallucinations). They may also believe things that seem irrational to other people (delusions). These types of symptoms are known as psychosis or a psychotic episode.
