Bipolar Disorder vs Depression – 5 Signs You’re Likely Bipolar
- You experience extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder typically experience periods of mania and depression. Mania is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by an increase in activity, energy, and/or talking. Depression is a period of sadness and loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.
- Your mood swings have a significant impact on your life. Your mood swings may interfere with your work, school, relationships, and other areas of your life. You may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or get along with others.
- Your mood swings are not caused by drugs or medication. If you are taking drugs or medication that can cause mood swings, these should be ruled out before a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made.
- Your mood swings have a pattern. Your mood swings may follow a certain pattern, such as occurring every few months or years.
- You have a family history of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a genetic disorder, so if you have a family history of the condition, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
If you think you may be bipolar, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and with the right treatment, you can live a full and productive life.
Here are some other signs that you may be bipolar:
- You have trouble sleeping, either too much or too little.
- You have trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- You have racing thoughts or thoughts that jump from one thing to another.
- You have an increased risk-taking behavior, such as gambling, spending sprees, or reckless driving.
- You have delusions or hallucinations.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, but it is treatable. With the right treatment, you can live a full and productive life.