Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?

Do you ever hear people using the term “bipolar” very loosely? I commonly hear people describe themselves or others as “bipolar” because they are having shifts in mood or feel intense emotions. So, let’s talk today about a question I often get from patients: “Dr. Mills, I am very moody. Do I have bipolar disorder?”

I want to stop right now and make sure I have everyone’s attention because what I am about to say is VERY important. Internet searching is not how one is diagnosed with a disorder; a person must see a mental health professional to be officially diagnosed and get help. Also, a mental health professional cannot give a diagnosis to someone based on a single symptom.

To clarify this term that is often used improperly, I’ll talk about some details. Bipolar means “2 poles” as bi means 2 and polar indicates the opposite ends, or “poles,” of the mood spectrum. When someone has bipolar disorder, they have either high or low mood episodes that last for at least one week at a time.

The easiest way for me to describe bipolar disorder is to use the help of this graphic.

Bipolar graph

The vertical line is the “mood state” with the midline marking a “calm” or “at ease” state and above the line progressively elevated and below the line is progressively depressed.

The horizontal line is “time.”

Depressive episode in bipolar disorder

Let’s first discuss depressed mood. A person with bipolar d/o will have periods of depression for at least 2 weeks that also include

·         sleeping more than usual

·         not enjoying fun activities

·         feeling guilty or worthless

·         decreased energy

·         concentration problems

·         changes in appetite

·         maybe even thoughts of suicide (if you are having thoughts of suicide, call 988, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room)

Someone with bipolar disorder will also have periods of elevated mood or mania for at least 1 week with symptoms that include (though this is not an exhaustive list):

·         Being extremely happy or irritable

·         Having decreased need for sleep

·         Having excessive energy and increased activity

·         Talking very loud or very fast

·         Engaging in impulsive behavior

Manic episode in bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder also have periods of time in which they feel calm or at ease.

The good news is, there is help for those with bipolar disorder to spend as much time as possible in the “at ease” state. Treatment options include:

·         Medications (I can help with that!)

·         Healthy Eating (I can help with that!)

·         Regular Exercise (I can help with that!)

·         Talk therapy (I can refer you to a therapist)

The results of treatment are better when you use more than one option together.

If you would like me to help you find out if you have bipolar disorder and assist you with still living your best life, please click on the “Contact” button and schedule your free 15min consultation with me, Dr. Mills. 

Thanks for reading and have a great week. Remember, Mental Health is Freedom!

Dr. Mills is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Freedom Psychiatry, located in California. She focuses on achieving mental wellness using medication, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.