Bipolar disorder causes mood swings. The highs, or mania, are the time period when a patient feels overly excited. The lows, or depression, can last for long periods of time and cause sadness and low mood. People with bipolar disorder often have trouble functioning in their everyday lives. It is important to get treatment for bipolar disorder so that you can live a happy and healthy life.
1 Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include:
- Feeling overly happy
Bipolar disorder has some hallmark symptoms broadly divided into two extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder can feel excessively happy and euphoric during manic episodes. This can lead to impulsive behaviors. While feeling overly happy may seem like a good thing, it can actually be quite dangerous for people with bipolar disorder.
- Feeling sad, hopeless
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings. You may feel very happy and excited at times (manic phase), and then feel very sad and down at other times (depression phase). These mood swings make it challenging to do everyday activities, like going to work or school, taking care of your family, or maintaining friendships.
If you’re feeling sad and hopeless, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you diagnose and develop a precise treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. With treatment, you can start to feel better and live a more fulfilling life.
- Taking very fast
Talking very fast is a symptom of bipolar disorder. People use rapid eye movements and speak fast to help access and process memories and emotions that may be contributing to their bipolar disorder.
- Overconfidence
People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of mania, where they feel excessively happy and confident. Overconfidence is often a symptom of mania, and people with bipolar disorder may behave impulsively and take unnecessary risks during these periods. This can cause serious consequences, such as relationship difficulties, financial ruin, and legal problems.
- Irritability
Irritability is one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may become easily agitated and irritated. They may have a tough time concentrating or sitting still, and may become impatient or even angry easily. This can be disruptive to them, and of those who live around them.
During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder may also become irritable.
