You’re not just “moody.” You’re not being dramatic. And you’re definitely not alone.
If your emotions feel like a rollercoaster, it might be more than just stress or burnout. Periods of intense highs and lows can be signs of bipolar disorder, a serious but treatable mental health condition. Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2.8% of adults in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. These shifts are far more intense than ordinary mood changes and typically fall into the following categories:
- Manic or hypomanic episodes of unusually elevated mood or energy
- Depressive episodes of intense sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue
- Mixed episodes where a person experiences both types of symptoms at the same time.
There are different types of bipolar disorder—including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder—and each can affect people in several different ways.
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes
Mania and hypomania share similar symptoms, but mania is more intense and can require hospitalization. Hypomania is less severe but still disrupts daily functioning.
Ask yourself:
- Do you ever feel like you have boundless energy or need very little sleep to function? During a manic or hypomanic episode, sleep becomes less of a priority. Even if you’ve only slept a couple of hours, you may feel “wired” or energized.
- Do your thoughts race, making it hard to keep up—even with yourself? Rapid-fire thoughts can make conversations disjointed. You may jump from topic to topic or feel like your mouth can’t keep up with your brain.
- Have you ever acted impulsively—spending too much money, starting risky relationships, or quitting a job—only to regret it later? Impulsivity is common during mania. Decisions are made quickly, often without thinking through the consequences.
- Do you feel unusually confident or grandiose? In a manic state, it’s not uncommon to believe you can do things that are unrealistic or dangerous—like driving across the country without sleep, starting multiple businesses at once, or believing you have special powers.
- Have you experienced intense irritability or agitation without a clear reason? Mania isn’t always euphoric. Sometimes, it shows up as restlessness or a hair-trigger temper that catches others off guard.
Depressive Episodes
After the highs of mania or hypomania, the lows of bipolar depression can feel unbearable. This isn’t just feeling sad or tired—it’s an all-consuming sense of hopelessness that impacts how you think, feel, and function.
Ask yourself:
- Have you lost interest in things you once loved? Whether it’s spending time with friends, hobbies, or even food, bipolar depression often causes a complete loss of pleasure in activities that once felt joyful.
- Are you experiencing ongoing fatigue—even after a full night’s sleep? Feeling physically exhausted or mentally drained, no matter how much you rest, is a hallmark of depressive episodes.
- Do you have trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things? Depression affects cognition, making it harder to complete tasks or stay focused—even on things that used to be easy.
- Has your sleep changed significantly? Some people with bipolar depression sleep far more than usual. Others struggle with insomnia, lying awake at night with racing thoughts or persistent dread.
- Are you experiencing changes in appetite or weight? A noticeable increase or decrease in eating can occur, along with corresponding changes in weight.
- Do you ever feel worthless, guilty, or like a burden? Negative self-talk is common. These feelings are powerful—and they’re not just in your head. They’re symptoms that deserve compassion and care.
- Have you had thoughts of self-harm or suicide? If you’re experiencing these thoughts, please know that you are not alone, and help is available immediately. Reach out to a professional or call 911 if you’re in crisis.
Mixed Episodes
Some people with bipolar disorder experience mixed episodes, where symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time.
Ask yourself:
- Do you feel energized but hopeless? Imagine having the restlessness of mania with the emotional pain of depression. This combination can be overwhelming and dangerous.
- Are your thoughts racing, but all of them are negative? This can create a sense of mental chaos that leads to impulsive decisions or suicidal thoughts.
Mixed episodes are particularly distressing—and carry a higher risk of self-harm. They also make it harder to recognize what’s going on, which is why professional assessment is essential.
What Should You Do If You Think You Might Have Bipolar Disorder?
If you’ve read through these questions and felt a wave of recognition, know that bipolar disorder isn’t a character flaw. It’s not a weakness. It’s a real medical condition that responds well to evidence-based treatment.
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health in Garner, North Carolina, our team provides a full continuum of care—from inpatient stabilization to outpatient therapy—tailored to meet your unique needs. Treatment may include:
- Medication management to help balance your mood
- Individual and group therapy, often using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Education and support groups to help you understand your condition and connect with others on the same wellness journey
You don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to keep guessing. Our team is available 24/7 for free, confidential assessments. There’s no pressure—just compassionate professionals ready to help you find a path toward better mental health.
