Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy and "up," and are much more active than usual. This is called mania. And sometimes people with bipolar disorder feel very sad and "down," and are much less active. This is called depression. Bipolar disorder can also cause changes in energy and behavior.

Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs everyone goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. They can damage relationships and make it hard to go to school or keep a job. Some people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.

People with bipolar disorder can get treatment. With help, they can get better and lead successful lives.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar mood changes are called "mood episodes." People may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or "mixed" episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two-sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day.

Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with extreme changes in behavior and energy levels.

People having a manic episode may:

  • Feel very "up" or "high"
  • Feel "jumpy" or "wired"
  • Talk really fast about a lot of different things
  • Be agitated, irritable, or "touchy"
  • Have trouble relaxing or sleeping
  • Think they can do a lot of things at once and are more active than usual
  • Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex

People having a depressive episode may:

  • Feel very "down" or sad
  • Feel worried and empty
  • Have trouble concentrating
  • Forget things a lot
  • Lose interest in fun activities and become less active
  • Feel tired or "slowed down"
  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Think about death or suicide

Contact 988 for Support

988 has a staff of trained mental health professionals that can help callers find the most appropriate mental health and substance abuse services for their needs. Services include counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, peer support, referrals to care, assistance in connecting to the referral, and follow-up services. 988 is free and confidential and operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week via phone, text, and internet chat. 988 is multilingual and multicultural.

Call or text text 988 or go to 988, an online resource for individuals, families and agencies in need of help and information. Deaf or hearing impaired callers can dial 711 then 988 (TTY).

More Resources

Some of this information has been excerpted from the National Institute of Mental Health.