Bipolar episodes vary widely from person to person, and we aren't always aware we're going into on or even that we're currently experiencing one. I've put together a list for two types of bipolar episodes and some of the symptoms I have personally experienced leading into and during one.
It's important to note that most people won't experience every symptom during every episode, and each symptom might not be constant for the whole episode; they tend to come and go. That's why it helps to know what to look for ahead of time so you can be more aware and hopefully make better choices until the episode is over.
Signs you might be going into a depressive episode:
increased anxiety (anxiety is often comorbid with depression; as depression increases, anxiety often does too)
mood swings
isolating yourself
increased tiredness or requiring more sleep
loss of interest in your hobbies
irritability
trouble concentrating
feeling generally unwell or having body aches
self-loathing
feeling hopeless or helpless
thoughts of self-harm
thoughts of suicide
Signs you might be going into a manic or hypomanic episode:
fidgeting and restlessness
increased unnecessary spending
requiring less sleep or an inability to sleep (insomnia)
increased self-esteem
increased sociability and outgoingness
racing thoughts
talking more or talking very fast
inability to focus
sensory overload (becoming overly sensitive to noises and lights)
obsession or hyperfixation on new and hold hobbies and projects
hypersexuality
Here's a simple checklist to mark of symptoms you notice if you suspect you're going into an episode. You can even print out multiple copies and date them for multiple suspected episodes (a larger symptom tracker is in the works; stay tuned!)
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