You’ve probably heard the term “bipolar” tossed about as a diagnosis when someone acts out of character with their usual personality. However, the actual disorder is nothing to be casual about.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme highs and lows. This used to be referred to as “manic depression,” as the individual would feel manias followed by depressive episodes. These swings in mood affect many aspects of a person’s lifestyle, from their energy and sleep to their actions and thoughts.

You can find a bipolar disorder self-test online, but if you think you might have this condition, it’s important to reach out to a professional for help. A bipolar diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need medication and long-term therapy. The treatment depends on factors like the cause and how serious your condition is.

Here, we’ll dig into bipolar disorder’s symptoms and causes and how to know if you need help.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder depend in part on the type in question. The diagnosis is broken into three main categories: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic.

In Bipolar I, the person has had one or more manic episodes that follow or precede a major depressive episode. There may have been a psychosis involved.

Bipolar II occurs when the person has major depressive episodes and a hypomanic episode but not a manic period (which is more extreme than a hypomanic period).

Cyclothymic disorder applies to an adult who has had two or more years of hypomania and depressive symptoms or a child or teen with one year of those symptoms.

There are other types of bipolar diagnoses that could occur due to medical conditions, drugs, or alcohol.

What Manias, Hypomanias, and Depression Look Like

Someone in the midst of a manic or hypomanic episode is likely demonstrating unusual activity, energy, or irritability. They may seem wired or jumpy, overly confident, and extra talkative. This person is easily distracted and exhibits poor decision-making skills.

In a depressive episode, the same person has difficulty completing daily activities, whether professional or social. They feel sad or hopeless and/or irritable and lose interest in things that usually give them pleasure. They may lose or gain a lot of weight, have marked changes in their sleeping patterns, and always seem tired. In some people, thoughts, plans, or attempts of suicide occur.

Note that symptoms in children and teens will look different than those in adults. Because younger individuals experience extreme ups and downs, it can be challenging to determine whether their behavior is “normal,” the result of a trauma or stress, or a sign of a mental disorder.

What to Do to Treat Bipolar Disorder

When an individual has bipolar disorder, they likely don’t realize it’s as severe a situation as their loved ones try to explain. Instead, they don’t seek help and alienate themselves from others.

If you think you or someone you love has this condition, talk to your doctor or a mental health therapist. Bipolar disorder requires strategic treatment to improve. Without it, the person dealing with the condition may get worse. Any behaviors that seem urgent, such as thoughts, words, or actions of self-harm, require immediate help. Call the suicide hotline at 988 or any of these emergency mental health numbers.

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