Bipolar disorder is a brain-based illness which causes people to experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and unusual behaviors. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.” Mood episodes are drastically different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the person. Extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep usually go along with mood episodes. Mood episodes can be manic or hypomanic, depressive, or mixed (where someone has characteristics of both mania and depression).
Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms:
Feel very “up,” “high,” or elated
Have a lot of energy
Have increased activity levels
Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
Have trouble sleeping
Become more active than usual
Talk really fast about a lot of different things
Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
Feel like their thoughts are going very fast
Think they can do a lot of things at once
Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex
Depressive Symptoms:
Feel very sad, down, empty, or hopeless
Have very little energy
Have decreased activity levels
Have trouble sleeping, they may sleep too little or too much
Schedule with one of our therapists to help explore your concerns.
What can you do if you are in crisis?
Tell someone who can help right away
Call your licensed mental health professional if you are already working with one
Call your doctor
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department
Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. If a loved one is considering suicide:
Do not leave him or her alone
Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from a doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911
Remove access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications