Bipolar symptoms: spot mood swings and get the right help

If your mood jumps from very high energy to deep low for days or weeks, that’s not just stress. Bipolar disorder causes clear episodes of mania or hypomania (highs) and depression (lows) that change how you think, sleep, and act. Knowing the signs helps you notice patterns early and get help before things spiral.

How mania and hypomania show up

Mania and hypomania are the high side of bipolar. You might feel unusually thrilled, wired, or irritable. Common signs include sleeping far less but still feeling full of energy, talking fast or jumping between ideas, taking big risks like spending sprees or unsafe sex, and feeling invincible. Hypomania is similar but milder — you function, but others may notice you’re unusually productive, restless, or impulsive.

When manic symptoms get severe, people can become confused, have racing thoughts so intense they can’t focus, or experience psychosis (hearing or seeing things that aren’t real). That’s a medical emergency — call a doctor or go to the ER if that happens.

What depressive episodes look like

On the low side, depression in bipolar disorder can hit hard. Expect persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, low energy, and trouble concentrating. Sleep changes are common: either too much sleep or insomnia. Appetite can shift, causing weight changes. Thoughts of worthlessness or suicide are red flags — seek immediate help if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Bipolar depression often feels different from ordinary sadness. It can drag on for weeks, make daily tasks feel impossible, and come with strong anxiety or physical aches. People sometimes get misdiagnosed with unipolar depression because the manic periods were brief or missed by clinicians.

Not every mood swing means bipolar. The difference is how long the episodes last, how extreme they are, and how much they disrupt work, school, or relationships. Tracking moods, sleep, and behavior over time helps your clinician make the right diagnosis.

Treatment usually mixes medication and therapy. Mood stabilizers (like lithium), certain anticonvulsants, and some antipsychotics are common options; antidepressants may be used carefully and often with a mood stabilizer to avoid triggering mania. Psychotherapy — cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, or psychoeducation — helps you spot triggers and build routines. If you take meds, keep regular follow-ups for dose checks and side-effect reviews.

If you’re worried about safety, call your doctor, a crisis line, or go to the nearest emergency room. Talk openly with friends or family who can help you stay safe and get to appointments. Keeping a simple mood diary and sharing it with your clinician makes a big difference in finding the right plan.

Want quick reads on treatments or drug interactions tied to mood disorders? Check related pieces on lamotrigine alternatives and antidepressant basics to learn what options exist and what to discuss with your prescriber.