mood symptoms

A person struggling with bipolar mood symptoms usually experience manic like episodes that may or may not be followed by a depressive episode. These symptoms usually cause significant disruption to social or occupational functioning.

 

These Manic episodes are usually characterised by the following symptoms

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• Elevated, expansive and/or irritable mood

• Increased goal directed activity (socially, at work or school, or sexually) 

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity 

• Decreased need for sleep

• More talkative than usual

• Flights of ideas or racing thoughts

• Easily distracted

• Increased Engagement in risky activities

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Depressive episodes are usually characterised by the following symptoms 
 

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• Persistent Depressed mood (Sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, tearfulness)

• Unbearable emotional pain

• Decreased interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities 

• Social withdrawal and self-isolation

• Noticeable weight loss or weight gain 

• Irritable feelings, increased agitation and/or anger outbursts 

• Decreased planning ability and/or difficulty making decisions

• Decreased concentration and/or being easily distracted 

• Decreased or increased sleep (Insomnia or hyposomnia)

• Low energy or fatigue 

• Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt 

• Delusional thinking (eg. blaming oneself for world hunger)

•  Thoughts of dying, being better of dead or not wanting to wake up

• Planned or past attempts to end one's life

• Increased physical illness or somatic complains  

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