Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme swings in mood, energy and the ability to function. The two mood extremes of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. In mania, one of the defining symptoms is an increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep. In depression, a down mood with fatigue takes over, often accompanied by irritability.
Manic episodes include an intense “high,” an overly happy or outgoing mood accompanied by behavioral changes. These changes may include:
- Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another and having racing thoughts
- Sleeping little or not being tired
- Behaving impulsively and engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as driving aggressively
Depressive episodes include periods of sadness or hopelessness. These changes are also accompanied by behavioral changes, such as:
- Feeling tired or “slowed down”
- Having problems concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Changing eating, sleeping or other habits