An example of a bipolar episode involves extreme mood shifts, like a manic episode, where someone feels euphoric or irritable, has immense energy, talks rapidly, needs little sleep, engages in impulsive spending or risky behavior, and has grandiose ideas (e.g., believing they're a genius inventor). Conversely, a depressive episode includes profound sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating, feeling empty or worthless.
Experiencing bipolar disorder can be complex and overwhelming, with emotional extremes that affect daily life. During manic phases, individuals may feel euphoric and full of energy, leading to impulsive decisions. Conversely, depressive phases can bring feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.
Mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic episodes when the predominant mood is intensely happy or irritable, or depressive episodes, when there is an intensely sad mood or the ability to experience joy or pleasure disappears. People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood as well.
The first red flag of bipolar disorder often appears as significant changes in sleep patterns, mood instability (irritability/euphoria), increased energy/agitation, and rapid thoughts/speech, frequently mistaken for unipolar depression or normal moodiness, with sleep disruption (insomnia or oversleeping) and heightened irritability being very common early signs, notes Better Mental Health.
Common triggers the person may experience include:
People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
Bipolar Disorder: Helping Someone During a Manic Episode
The Big Five personality comprises independent traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness (McCrae and John 1992) and forms the basis of several personality inventories (Costa and McCrae 1992).
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
How many hours should a bipolar person sleep? People should try to sleep at least 7 hours per night, regardless of whether they have a condition such as bipolar disorder.
Someone with bipolar disorder has episodes of depression and highs (feeling 'hyper' or 'wired'). During the 'highs' they might feel like things are speeding up, having thousands of thoughts and ideas, and they may feel invincible or behave recklessly.
Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (most of the day, nearly every day) or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
30 Things Not To Say To Those With Bipolar Disorder
At the outset, bipolar symptoms are commonly mistaken for ADHD, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and, in its more severe manifestations, as schizophrenia.
Environmental factors like trauma and stress: A stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce or financial problems can trigger a manic or depressive episode. Because of this, stress and trauma may also play a role in the development of bipolar disorder.
What types of bipolar disorder are there?
Your routine could include: Day-to-day activities, such as the time you eat meals and go to sleep. Making time for relaxation, mindfulness, hobbies and social plans. Taking any medication at the same time each day.
Age at onset of type-I bipolar disorder (BPD) typically averages 12-24 years, is older among patients with type-II BPD, and oldest in unipolar major depressive disorder 1,2,3. Reported onset ages probably vary by ascertainment methods, and possibly among different countries and cultures 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Mood-stabilizing medicines help control manic or hypomanic episodes. They also may help depressive bouts. Examples include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid, divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
Those with borderline personality disorder may have an unstable sense of self. Both conditions are marked by shifts in mood and can involve being impulsive. A 2021 literature review found that antisocial personality disorder was more common among people with bipolar disorder, in particular bipolar I disorder.
This can lead to yelling, blaming, impulsive arguments, or even physical outbursts—behaviors that may strain relationships and cause deep regret once the episode subsides. Understanding that manic anger is a symptom of bipolar disorder—not a reflection of character or willpower—is essential to recovery.
Bipolar disorder does not affect a person's intelligence. However, certain symptoms of bipolar disorder may impact the way a person thinks and behaves. Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder may cause a person to have trouble concentrating and making decisions.
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
The Takeaway. A poor diet can contribute to bipolar mood episodes, and certain food choices may help manage them. People with bipolar disorder should avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Symptoms of bipolar mania