Do I Have Bipolar Disorder Symptoms? Learn the Signs and When to Seek Help

If your emotions seem to swing between extreme highs and deep lows, you may have wondered whether something more is going on. You might have asked yourself, “Do I have bipolar disorder?” This mood disorder is often misunderstood, and it can be hard to know the difference between typical mood shifts and something more serious. 

Here, we’ll define bipolar disorder, explain the bipolar I and bipolar II difference, highlight bipolar disorder symptoms, and provide a self-assessment test to help you process your experiences and consider whether to seek out therapy for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts in mood, energy, and focus. These changes go beyond everyday ups and downs. People with bipolar disorder experience emotional highs, called manic or hypomanic episodes, and lows, known as depressive episodes.

These shifts can affect how you think, feel, and function in your daily life. Some days may feel full of energy and possibility. Other days can feel heavy, slow, or difficult to manage. If this pattern sounds familiar, it may be worth exploring what your mind is trying to tell you.

Not all bipolar experiences are the same. The two most common types, bipolar I and bipolar II, both involve shifts in mood, but the intensity and pattern of those episodes can be very different. Understanding their differences can help you get closer to the clarity you might be looking for.

Bipolar I Disorder: Full Manic Episodes

Bipolar I is defined by the presence of at least one full manic episode. These episodes often last a week or longer and may involve racing thoughts, high energy, impulsive behavior, or an inflated sense of confidence. Some people may also experience psychosis or a break from reality during these periods. While depressive episodes can also occur with bipolar I, they are not required for diagnosis.

Bipolar II Disorder: Hypomania and Persistent Depression

Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes, which are less intense than full mania. These episodes may include increased energy, restlessness, or elevated mood, but they typically don’t disrupt daily life to the same degree as mania. However, people with bipolar II often experience more frequent and longer-lasting depressive episodes, which can deeply affect their mood, energy, and functioning.

If any of these descriptions of bipolarity feel familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at your symptoms and speak with a mental health professional.

Bipolar disorder symptoms usually fall into two categories: manic and depressive. Manic episodes may involve high energy, racing thoughts, little need for sleep, and impulsive decisions. These highs can feel empowering at first but often lead to behavior that feels out of control.

Depressive episodes bring a shift in the opposite direction. You may feel exhausted, disconnected, or unable to focus. Everyday tasks can feel overwhelming, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness may take over without a clear cause. Recognizing these emotional cycles is the first step toward understanding how bipolar disorder might be affecting your life.

Bipolar symptoms in women can sometimes look different from those in men. Women are more likely to experience depressive episodes, rapid mood cycling, and strong emotional sensitivity. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can also influence the intensity or frequency of mood shifts, making bipolar symptoms in women more complex to identify and treat accurately.

This is not a clinical diagnosis but a space to check in with yourself. The following questions are meant to help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Take your time and reflect honestly on what feels familiar.

1. Do you experience intense shifts in mood that last for days or longer?

These shifts may include feeling overly energetic or deeply low without a clear reason.

2. Have there been times when you felt unusually confident, restless, or like you didn’t need sleep?

These feelings may have led you to take risks or act impulsively.

3. Do you struggle with long periods of sadness, fatigue, or disconnection?

You might find it hard to focus or feel interested in things you usually care about.

4. Do others notice changes in your mood or energy even when you don’t?

Sometimes, friends or loved ones see the shifts before you do.

5. Have your highs and lows ever disrupted your relationships, work, or daily life?

If your emotional cycles make it hard to function, they may be worth exploring further.

If several of these questions resonate with you, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. Gaining clarity is a powerful step toward healing.

Everyone experiences mood shifts from time to time, but bipolar disorder involves patterns that are more extreme, more intense, and longer-lasting. Mood swings might come and go within a day, often tied to specific situations. Bipolar episodes typically last for days or even weeks and may not have an obvious cause.

If you’re living with the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, therapy can offer a space to understand what you are going through and how to manage it. At Neurish Wellness, we provide care that is tailored to your experience. Our trauma-informed team helps you explore patterns, build emotional tools, and develop a plan that supports long-term stability.

We treat mood disorders with an approach that is grounded in compassion, clarity, and support. With the right guidance, you can feel more in control of your mood and your life.

Bipolar disorder is real, but so is the possibility of healing. If any part of this guide felt familiar, it may be time to take the next step. You do not have to carry this on your own. At Neurish Wellness, we are here to listen, support, and walk with you toward balance and peace. Reach out today to get the help you need.