Do you feel extreme mood swings, where you can either feel very happy and full of energy, but at other times, you start feeling very sad or hopeless? If yes, then this condition is often referred to as bipolar disorder. It is a mental health condition that can affect your mood, energy, and ability to function in daily life.
Not only do these ups and downs make you feel overwhelmed, but they also affect your family and friends. However, many people don’t even realize they have bipolar disorder until the symptoms become severe. On the other hand, if you are able to spot the early signs, then it is possible to get help sooner and manage the condition.
7 important bipolar signs you should not ignore.
1. Unusual Mood Swings
One of the main signs of bipolar disorder is mood swings. These are not normal mood swings. Instead, they are stronger than what people normally feel. It is true that everyone feels happy or sad. But, as a bipolar person, you can experience moods that are much more intense and can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
There are mainly two strong categories that your mood swings can be divided into- Manic episode and Depressive episode. While you are in your manic episode, you may feel overly happy, excited, or confident without any clear signs. You may have the feeling that you can do anything or take big risks without thinking about the consequences.
On the contrary, during your depressive episode, you will feel deeply sad, empty, or hopeless. In fact, even small tasks may start to feel impossible to you.
So, if you or someone you know shows these symptoms, it is important not to ignore them.
2. Changed in Sleep Pattern
Another very common sign of bipolar disorder is having trouble with your sleep routine. It means you will not have just normal sleepless nights or feel tired sometimes. Instead, there will be clear changes in your sleep cycle that depend on your extreme mood shifts.
So, during a manic episode, you may not need much sleep. You can just sleep for a few hours and still feel full of energy. However, during the depressive phase, the opposite can happen. In this case, you may sleep much more than usual and still feel tired. The surprising fact is that some people can even sleep for 12-14 hours a day and still feel exhausted.
3. Talking Very Fast or Racing Thoughts
While you are going through a manic or hypomanic phase, you can start talking very quickly. It may look like normal excitement to other people, but you feel like your words cannot keep up with your thoughts.
You can find it difficult to stick to a topic, which can also make it hard for others to follow the conversation. Sometimes, it also feels like your mind is racing, and you cannot slow it down.
It is a confusing sign, as it seems like you are just energetic and creative. However, if it happens very frequently, or if it has started to affect your work, relationships, or daily life, then you must not ignore it.
4. Risky or Impulsive Behaviour
Do you often find yourself doing things without thinking about the risks? It’s because during manic episodes, you feel so confident and energetic that you make choices you normally wouldn’t.
For example-
- You can spend large amounts of money that you don’t have.
- Drive dangerously. Fast
- Start big projects without even planning
- Quit your job suddenly
These actions can feel exciting or rewarding at the time. But, they can lead to more serious consequences later.
5. Feeling Very Sad or Hopeless for Long Periods
The depressive phase of bipolar disorder can be as dangerous as the manic phase. In fact, sometimes it can be even more dangerous. During these times, you may-
- Feel worthless or guilty
- You can lose interest in things that you usually used to enjoy
- It is a struggle for you to get out of bed
- You find it hard to concentrate
- The most dangerous symptom is that you start thinking about death or self-harm/
These feelings are deeper and longer-lasting than normal sadness. So, if you feel this way for two weeks or more, it is very important to seek help.
6. Trouble Concentrating or Feeling Easily Distracted
This is a sign that you can observe in both depressive as well as manic episodes. In the manic phase, you may jump between ideas and keep starting new activities without finishing the previous tasks. Moreover, you can feel distracted by very small things that are happening around you.
In the depressive phase, concentrating becomes for you because of low energy and sadness. It can even feel impossible to read a book, watch a movie, or even follow a simple conversation. In addition, everyday tasks like making simple decisions and remembering things can start to feel overwhelming.
It is not the same as occasional forgetfulness or distraction. It can happen very frequently and affect your work, studies, as well as daily life.
7. Strong Irritability or Anger
It is a common misconception for people to think that mania only means being very happy. Rather, it can also show up as irritability or anger. You may start getting annoyed easily, snap at others, and also become very aggressive.
This condition is different from normal frustration. It feels much stronger and lasts longer as well. Besides, it can come with racing thoughts or restlessness.
Also read: Stress Management in New Delhi
What To Do If You Notice These Signs?
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone close to you, then you must-
- Talk about it: Share your concerns gently and kindly with your close ones.
- Seek help: Make an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional.
- Keep track: Write down when mood changes happen, what triggers them, and how long they last.
- Avoid self-diagnosis: The most important fact is that only a qualified professional can diagnose bipolar disorder.
Also read: Anxiety Treatment in delhi
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder can feel scary. However, recognizing the signs and symptoms is the first step towards managing it. According to Dr Manish Sarkar, if you notice any of the 7 signs that have been mentioned, do not ignore them.
You need to remember that reaching out for help shows strength and not weakness. Dr Manish Sarkar emphasises that your mental health is just as valuable as your physical health. So, take your first step towards healing in order to change everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the earliest signs of bipolar disorder?
The pattern usually shows before the diagnosis does: mood that swings further than the situation explains, a sharp drop in the need for sleep without feeling tired, speech that races, impulsive decisions that look out of character, and long stretches of low mood in between.
How is this different from ordinary mood swings?
Ordinary mood changes follow events and settle. In bipolar disorder the shifts last days or weeks, come with changes in sleep and energy, and affect work, money or relationships in ways the person later regrets.
Can bipolar disorder be mistaken for depression?
Yes, and it often is. Someone usually seeks help during the low phase and describes only that. The high phases can feel productive rather than unwell, so they go unmentioned unless a doctor asks about them directly.
At what age do the signs usually appear?
Most often in the late teens or twenties, though it can begin earlier or later. A family history of bipolar disorder raises the chance, which is one reason the assessment asks about relatives.
Who should I see if I recognise these signs?
A psychiatrist, because the assessment needs a medical view of sleep, energy, other illnesses and any medicines being taken. Recognising a pattern is not the same as a diagnosis.
Does noticing early signs change the outcome?
Getting an accurate diagnosis earlier means treatment is aimed at the right condition. Antidepressants given for what looks like depression alone can destabilise mood when the underlying pattern is bipolar.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Manish Sarkar , MBBS, DPM (NIMHANS), FIPS, FADP
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Treatment is decided individually after assessment.
