Bipolar Symptoms to be Aware of

Bipolar disorder is a mood effecting illness that can be very problematic for those who suffer from it, and millions of people do. Many people do not even realise that the way they are feeling is actually a medical condition until the find out about bipolar symptoms and recognises that they are in fact bipolar. Here are the depression and mania bipolar symptoms to look out for if you suspect you are bipolar or someone you know is.

Depression bipolar symptoms

·         Having no energy and constantly feeling tired

·         Losing interest in things you were once keen on, this can also include sex

·         Difficulty in making decisions

·         Sleeping much more or much less than normal

·         Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

·         Suicidal thoughts

Everyone will feel depressed at different times in their life, but when a person is bipolar these times go on for much longer than would be expected and they begin to affect a person’s quality of life.

Mania bipolar symptoms

·         Excessive energy

·         Sleeping much less than normal

·         A constantly racing mind

·         Becoming very talkative

·         Engaging in risky activities – this can vary from person to person but usually with bipolar symptoms these activities are not usually something a person would do

·         Reliance on drugs or alcohol

Manic bipolar symptoms can also be characterised by impulsive acts that can have disastrous consequences for a person’s life. For instance they might suddenly decide to quit their job or go on a massive spending spree that they can’t afford with no thought to the outcome.

Of course these are just the main bipolar symptoms and there are more which are on the bipolar symptoms spectrum and can be easily identified. Those people who are bipolar will find that their bipolar symptoms will alternate with each other and there will also be times when they feel on a level – neither high nor low.

During a bout of depression or mania however the bipolar symptoms will be much more obvious and can reach extremes which seem totally out of character and can be quite frightening for the person who is bipolar and those around them. One good idea to chart bipolar symptoms is to use a mood chart. This is where the person with bipolar disorder notes down how they are feeling each day and this will help professionals to be able to plot their bipolar symptoms and can assist diagnosis and possible forms of treatment for the condition. Using a chart to track your bipolar symptoms can also be very useful to gain an insight into how well medication is working.

One thing is for sure; if you do recognise bipolar symptoms in yourself or someone close to you it is wise to seek medical help. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, but if the symptoms are recognised quickly a plan of medication and therapy can really help the sufferer to lead a normal life in which their bipolar symptoms do not interfere too much.