If you’re worried you might be bipolar, it’s important to approach this carefully and seriously. Bipolar disorder involves distinct mood patterns, but many other factors can cause similar feelings. Here’s how to understand and proceed. What bipolar disorder typically involves

• Mood cycles: periods of elevated or irritable mood (manic or hypomanic episodes) and periods of low mood (depressive episodes), which can vary in duration and intensity.
• Symptoms during mania/hypomania: increased energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, pressured or rapid speech, grandiose ideas, risky behaviors.
• Symptoms during depression: persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, worthlessness or guilt, thoughts of death or suicide.
• Duration and impact: for a formal diagnosis, symptoms must be present for specific lengths of time and cause noticeable impairment or changes in functioning, and they aren’t better explained by another condition or substance.

What you can do right now

• Reflect on your recent mood patterns: have you had distinct periods of unusually high energy, fast talking, risky behavior, or mood changes followed by weeks of low mood or anhedonia? Note how long these periods last and how they affect daily life.
• Consider sleep and energy: significant changes in sleep needs (sleeping much less without feeling tired) or drastic energy shifts can accompany mood episodes.
• Assess impact on functioning: do these mood swings affect work, school, relationships, or self-care?
• Safety check: if you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help from a crisis line, emergency services, or a trusted person.

Getting a proper assessment

• Primary care or a mental health professional can evaluate mood symptoms, rule out medical causes, and determine if a bipolar spectrum condition is possible.
• A typical assessment looks at: duration and pattern of mood changes, family history of mood disorders, impact on daily functioning, and any substance use or medical factors that might imitate bipolar symptoms.
• Diagnosis often involves tracking mood patterns over time, sometimes through patient interviews, mood charts, or input from loved ones.

Treatment options (overview)

• Psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy can help manage mood symptoms and daily routines.
• Medications: mood stabilizers (like lithium or certain anticonvulsants), atypical antipsychotics, or antidepressants may be used, depending on episode type and individual needs. Medication plans are highly individualized and should be overseen by a psychiatrist.
• Lifestyle management: regular sleep, consistent daily routines, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol or non-prescribed substances can support stability.
• Ongoing care: bipolar conditions often require long-term management with periodic follow-ups to adjust treatment as needed.

Red flags to seek urgent help

• Severe depression with thoughts of death or self-harm
• Mania with extreme risk-taking, inability to sleep for days, or psychosis (delusions or hallucinations)
• Rapidly escalating symptoms or thoughts of harming others

Next steps and support

• Consider making an appointment with a licensed mental health professional or your primary care provider to discuss what you’re experiencing.
• If you’re not sure where to start, you can ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or a mood disorders clinic, or contact a local mental health hotline for guidance.
• If you have a trusted friend or family member, sharing your concerns with them can help establish support and safety while you pursue an evaluation.

If you want, I can help you prepare for a healthcare visit by outlining a checklist of symptoms, questions to ask, and a brief mood-tracking template you can use to document patterns over the next few weeks.