Perhaps others have suggested that you have some signs of bipolar disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extrememood swings.

woman struggling

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People with bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than others.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How Common Is Bipolar Disorder?

Who Is Most Likely to Have Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

Most research indicates that bipolar disorder affects males and females equally.

For example:

Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Bipolar disorder presents differently from one person to another.

Additionally, the disorder will have different symptoms depending on whether you are experiencing a depressive state or amanicone.

The mood episodes of bipolar disorder can last for several days, weeks, or even months.

Signs of Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes of bipolar depression can be debilitating and severe.

Getting a bipolar disorder diagnosis usually first involves visiting your healthcare provider.

They will do a physical exam and may order blood work.

Usually, bipolar disorder is diagnosed if you show a pattern of alternating major depression with mania or hypomania.

You have to have had at least one occurrence of mania or hypomania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Treatment for bipolar disorder works; the sooner and more diligently you treat it, the better.

Therapy is an important way that people with bipolar disorder to prevent future episodes.

Its important that people with bipolar disorder receive thorough treatment, so dont delay getting a diagnosis.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar Disorder.

Ozdemir O, Coskun S, Aktan Mutlu E, et al.Family History in Patients with Bipolar Disorder.

Analysis of recently published large sample studies.International Journal of Bipolar Disorder.

2021;9(1):3. doi:10.1186/s40345-020-00207-z

Kerner B.Genetics of bipolar disorder.

The system of Clinical Genetics.

2014;7:33-42. doi:10.2147/TACG.S39297

American Psychiatric Association.What Are Bipolar Disorders?

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Living Well with Bipolar Disorder.