How do I know if I have bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is more than occasional mood swings or feeling “moody.” It’s a serious mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to function. These shifts go beyond normal ups and downs and can interfere with work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.
You might consider reaching out for counseling for bipolar disorder if you’ve experienced:
- Episodes of unusually high energy, racing thoughts, or impulsive behavior
- Periods of depression that last for days or weeks
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively
- Feeling “wired” or overly excited, even when others seem calm
- Difficulty maintaining routines or relationships due to mood changes
If your emotional states feel extreme or out of proportion, a trained bipolar therapist can help clarify whether bipolar disorder is a factor.
Types of bipolar disorder
There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with its own pattern of symptoms:
Bipolar I Disorder
This involves at least one manic episode lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospitalization. Depressive episodes often occur as well but are not necessary for diagnosis.
Bipolar II Disorder
Characterized by alternating episodes of hypomania (a milder form of mania) and major depression. People with Bipolar II often struggle more with depressive symptoms.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Involves chronic mood fluctuations that are less severe than full manic or depressive episodes, but still disruptive over time.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
These include bipolar-like symptoms that don't fit the exact criteria above but still cause significant distress or impairment.
A psychologist for bipolar disorder can help determine which type, if any, fits your experience.
Recognizing the symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on the type and phase, but generally fall into two categories:
Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feeling rested after just a few hours)
- Talkativeness or pressured speech
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased goal-directed activity or agitation
- Risky behavior (spending sprees, reckless driving, unprotected sex)
Symptoms of Depression:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Thoughts of death or suicide
These symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even months. Without treatment, they often return—sometimes more severely.
What do the diagnostic criteria mean?
To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must experience at least one manic or hypomanic episode (depending on the type) and possibly depressive episodes.
A mental health provider will assess:
- Duration and intensity of mood changes
- Functional impairment in daily life
- History of hospitalizations or risky behaviors
- Whether symptoms are linked to substance use or medical conditions
Diagnosis should always be made by a licensed professional, such as a therapist for bipolar disorder or a psychiatrist. Self-diagnosis can be misleading, as other disorders can mimic bipolar symptoms.
Getting diagnosed
Getting diagnosed can feel overwhelming, but it’s a key step toward stability and healing. The process often includes:
- A clinical interview
- Standardized assessments
- A review of family and personal history
- Rule-outs for other mental health or medical conditions
Once diagnosed, you and your provider can develop a personalized treatment plan. Working with a counselor for bipolar disorder or bipolar disorder therapist ensures that the plan fits your lifestyle and goals.
How is bipolar different from regular mood swings?
Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs—but bipolar disorder involves mood changes that are:
- More extreme in intensity
- Longer-lasting, often days to weeks
- Disruptive to daily life and relationships
Mood swings in bipolar disorder also come with distinct cognitive, behavioral, and physical changes. For example, someone in a manic episode may not sleep for days and still feel energetic, whereas typical mood changes rarely cause that level of disruption.
What causes bipolar disorder?
There’s no single cause of bipolar disorder, but research points to a combination of:
- Genetic predisposition: It tends to run in families.
- Brain chemistry and structure: Differences in how the brain regulates mood and impulses.
- Stress and trauma: High-stress life events, trauma, or early emotional neglect can trigger episodes.
- Substance use: Drugs or alcohol can worsen or mimic symptoms.
- Sleep disruptions: Irregular sleep patterns may contribute to mood instability.
Understanding the causes can help guide more effective coping with bipolar disorder and prevention strategies.
What triggers a bipolar episode?
Even with treatment, episodes can still occur. Common triggers include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Substance use
- High-stress events (job changes, breakups, grief)
- Hormonal shifts
- Irregular medication use
- Seasonal changes
Part of effective therapy includes identifying your unique triggers and creating tools to reduce their impact. A therapist for bipolar will work with you to build this awareness and plan.
How do I treat bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with the right combination of treatment strategies, it can be managed effectively. Treatment typically includes:
Medications
- Mood stabilizers (like lithium or lamotrigine)
- Antipsychotic medications
- Antidepressants (used cautiously and usually alongside a mood stabilizer)
Medication is often essential and should be monitored by a psychiatrist or prescribing provider.
Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps challenge distorted thinking and develop healthy routines.
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on stabilizing daily rhythms to reduce mood episodes.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Environmental Supports
- Structured routines and sleep hygiene
- Support from family, friends, or support groups
- Clear crisis plans and early warning signs tracking
Psychoeducation
Learning about bipolar disorder helps you recognize symptoms early, understand treatment options, and communicate more effectively with loved ones and providers.
Working with a qualified bipolar disorder therapist or online therapist for bipolar disorder gives you a strong foundation for long-term stability.
Who can treat bipolar disorder?
Effective treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary team:
- Psychiatrists: Diagnose and manage medications
- Therapists or counselors: Offer talk therapy and coping strategies
- Psychologists: Conduct assessments and long-term therapy
- Primary care doctors: Monitor physical health and coordinate care
- Peer support groups: Offer connection, accountability, and community
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years, ongoing care from a therapist for bipolar disorder is an essential part of managing symptoms and thriving.
Can people with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Absolutely. With proper treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can lead rich, full, and meaningful lives—including successful careers, loving relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Key factors that support stability include:
- Medication adherence
- Strong therapeutic relationships
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Supportive social circles
- Ongoing help for bipolar disorder when challenges arise
Bipolar disorder may be part of your story—but it doesn’t have to define your future.
What is the difference between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?
Though both are serious mental health conditions, they are very different in symptoms and treatment.
Bipolar disorder is primarily a mood disorder, involving cycles of mania and depression. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Some people with bipolar I may experience psychotic symptoms during severe mood episodes, which can cause confusion—but these symptoms are always tied to mood states.
Diagnosis should always be made by a trained provider, such as a psychologist for bipolar or psychiatrist, to ensure the right treatment plan is developed.
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?
The main difference is that bipolar disorder includes episodes of mania or hypomania, while major depressive disorder (MDD) does not. People with MDD experience only depressive episodes.
Because of this, people with bipolar II are often misdiagnosed with depression, especially early on. That’s why it’s so important to share your full range of mood experiences with your provider, even if the highs feel less disruptive than the lows.
A therapist for bipolar disorder trained in mood disorders can help make the distinction and guide appropriate treatment.
Are people with bipolar disorder unstable or dangerous?
This is a harmful myth. Most people with bipolar disorder are not violent or dangerous. Like anyone, they may act out during moments of extreme stress or crisis—but with treatment, most manage their emotions and behavior just like anyone else.
Labeling people with bipolar disorder as “unstable” only adds to stigma and discourages help-seeking. Coping with bipolar disorder requires strength, self-awareness, and courage—not shame.
Does bipolar disorder just mean being moody?
No. Bipolar disorder is a medical condition with well-defined criteria. It’s not the same as being moody, emotional, or reactive.
Mood swings in bipolar disorder are more intense, longer-lasting, and disruptive than everyday ups and downs. They involve clear patterns of mania/hypomania and depression—not just emotional variability.
Can people with bipolar disorder have a job or relationship?
Yes—many do. With the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can:
- Build successful careers
- Maintain long-term relationships
- Be loving parents
- Create art, lead teams, and contribute meaningfully to their communities
Therapy can help manage the unique challenges that come with balancing mental health in the workplace and at home. If you're facing obstacles, career counselors, couples therapists, or work stress therapists can all be part of your support network.
Is mania just being happy or productive?
No. Mania can feel good at first—heightened energy, confidence, creativity—but it often escalates into reckless behavior, irritability, poor judgment, or even psychosis.
Mania isn’t about having a “good day” or feeling energized—it’s a serious mental health episode that requires treatment and monitoring.
Can you outgrow bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is considered a chronic condition, meaning it doesn’t go away completely. However, many people go years without episodes when they have consistent treatment and healthy routines.
With the right help for bipolar disorder, it is absolutely possible to manage symptoms effectively and live a balanced, empowered life.
You are more than your diagnosis. With the right support, you can live well, love deeply, and pursue everything that matters to you. Find a trusted bipolar disorder therapist or explore online therapy for bipolar disorder to take your next step toward stability, clarity, and hope.
