Signs to Watch for Bipolar Symptoms

Signs to watch for of bipolar symptoms include a wide range of both manic and depressive moods and behaviors that signal an individual's inability to cope. These signs may be reflected in a person's home life, sleeping and eating habits, and in challenges at work.

Signs of Mania

Mania expresses itself in a combination of moods and behaviors. For example, when having a manic episode, prolonged periods of extreme happiness and outgoing tendences may be demonstrated. Alternatively, the mania may manifest itself in agitated behaviors in which a person feels irritable or wired. If exhibiting manic or depressive behaviors and moods for one day, several days or even weeks, these are generally signs of bipolar disorder.

The manic behaviors include a range of activities. In a manic state, someone may speak rapidly and incoherently. The inability to stay focused on one task or activity is another sign of a manic episode. Restlessness and lack of sleep also accompany the manic state, sometimes days without sleeping. In this condition, some engage in riskier behaviors which may include gambling or overspending.

Signs of Depression

In the depressive state, bipolar symptoms include low energy, worry and feelings of emptiness. A bipolar patient may find it difficult to sleep, eat or engage in other daily habits. Feeling tired, lethargic or slower than usual is most common when depressed.  Difficulty remembering important facts or events and challenges with concentrating on tasks may also be prevalent. In extreme depressive cases, some contemplate suicide or become preoccupied with thoughts or discussions of death.