Are their certain things to look for in order for me to know I have bipolar?
6 Answers
Last Updated: 10/19/2021 at 8:00pm
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Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy
Psychotherapist
I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.
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Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 12:01am
Changes in emotion happening with no trigger is one sign, if you feel happy one second then very sad the next, with little to no transition time, that might be a sign.
A big part of bipolar is that there are highs and lows - the lows are things that you'd notice if you had depression (low moods etc) but the highs are what sets Bipolar apart.
The 'highs' tend to be extreme and somewhat sudden. So talking more is a sign, but it's the fact that it's so quick and so dramatic that makes it a manic symptom. Other signs of mania include not needing enough sleep, having so much more energy, setting lots of goals, racing thoughts,
having trouble paying attention and doing things that you wouldn't usually do (like spending more money, drinking too much, gambling, smoking - anything kinda risky.
The only way to know for sure that you have Bipolar is to talk with a professional as they're the only ones who can help you with a diagnosis.
:)
You can just ask a therapist of a MD and they will discuss the thoughts and questions that you have.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2019 9:50pm
Keep track of your energy levels, are there times when you can't keep up. There's also the aspect of impulsivity. Do you notice you tend to take sudden, rash decisions without further thought and having to deal with the consequences later.
One thing is having a couple of ups and downs but if you have frequent instability causing you negativity then it's something to look into. There are lots of metaphors like the rollercoaster to describe the kind of turmoil and chaos a bipolar mind will go through so be attentive and notice when your emotional state and energy levels change.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by 2 opposites of the mood spectrum. This includes depression, and mania.
In order to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder you have to experience both mania and depression, hence the name bi-polar (two opposites).
Depression is the classic lows. The deep feeling of sadness, worthlessness, or simply being numb to the world around you. Everyone feels depression differently. But mania is the total opposite.
Mania is where you feel like you are on top of the world and you can do anything. You are reckless, impulsive, and energetic to a fault. Last time I was manic I wasn't able to sleep for 36 hours because I simply had so much energy.
There are 4 different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar 1 is where you experience mania for at least a full week. Depression is also often a part of this diagnosis but it isnt a requirement. You only have to experience 1 manic episode. Bipolar 2 is where you experience 1 depressive episode lasting at least 2 weeks, and 1 hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania usually lasting less than a week) for at least 4 days. Cyclothymia is another form of bipolar disorder where you experience at least 1 episode of mild depression and 1 episode of hypomania. Then the last bipolar type of undifferentiated bipolar disorder. This diagnosis is commonly given when you doctor thinks you are bipolar but doesn't know exactly what type.
This is the best answer I could come up with. I hope you have a good rest of the day
Anonymous
October 19th, 2021 8:00pm
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behavior, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Bipolar disorder can be a life-long mental health problem that mainly affects your mood. It affects how you feel, and your mood can change massively. You can experience episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe. They can affect areas of your life, such as work, school and relationships. You usually develop bipolar before you are 20.
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