Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Depressive Episodes

Someone in a depressed state of mind may…

• Feel sad
  He or she may feel sad or just plain “empty” inside, be tearful or cry.
• Lose interest in things
  He or she may stop doing things usually enjoyed and feel that those things just aren’t worth doing.
• Gain or lose weight
  He or she may lose weight without trying or gain weight from eating more than usual.
• Have trouble sleeping
  He or she may have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
• Sleep too much
  He or she may sleep longer than usual and not want to get out of bed in the morning.
• Appear restless or do things more slowly
  He or she may appear restless or move slower than usual in doing everyday tasks.
• Feel tired
  He or she may just not have the energy to go about everyday tasks.
• Feel worthlessness or guilt
  He or she may feel undeserving of anything good or feel responsible for having done something terrible.
• Have trouble thinking
  He or she may have problems concentrating and/or making decisions.
• Think about death
  He or she may think that life is not worth living or make a plan to take his or her own life.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Manic Episodes

Someone in a manic state of mind may…

• Feel unusually great
  He or she may feel in possession of special qualities or abilities, extra power, importance, knowledge or ability.
• Sleep a lot less
  He or she may feel that “sleep is a waste of time,” feel rested after a few hours or just not feel tired at all.
• Talk too much
  He or she may feel pressured to get out thoughts, to talk faster or more loudly than usual.
• Mix up their thoughts
  He or she may have thoughts coming so fast that it’s hard to keep ideas straight.
• Be distracted easily
  His or her attention may be drawn to little, unimportant things.
• Set new goals
  He or she may launch into several new projects.
• Take risks and go to extremes
  He or she may do things that could be considered “risky” or unwise. Examples include running up credit card debt, making gambling bets, and even having casual sex with strangers.
• Fidget more
  He or she may be unable to sit still for very long or may pace.

When you consider the many possible types of symptoms that bipolar disorder can cause, it’s easy to see why it is very important to get medical care to help manage this illness.