Symptoms of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by distinct mood swings that range from manic (elevated mood, energy, and activity levels) to depressive (persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest). Symptoms of mania may include heightened self-esteem, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and engaging in risky behaviour. On the other hand, symptoms of depression can manifest as feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. These episodes can vary in duration and intensity, often disrupting daily functioning and relationships. It is important to note that bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and individual experiences may differ, so personalised assessment for diagnosis by a psychiatrist is absolutely critical to understand the situation.