No day is ever the same when it comes to your mood. We all experience ups and downs, highs and lows, but have you ever wondered whether your extreme moods might be…something more?

Bipolar disorder is a disease characterized by severe disturbances in mood. People who suffer from bipolar disorder typically experience periods of extreme excitability, called mania, accompanied later by periods of depression. Many patients don’t even realize they have the disorder because their moods seem to change constantly based on their life circumstances. However, bipolar disorder is actually caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, and it can be treated.

Review the questions below to see if you might be expressing some symptoms on the manic side of bipolar disorder:

• Have you felt so distracted that you find it difficult to stay focused?
• Have you been sleeping less than usual, but you still feel fine?
• Have you been excessively talking faster and louder than usual?
• Have you felt extra confident?
• Has anyone commented on your mood?
• Have you been doing things that others might consider risky or foolish?
• Have you felt like you can't slow down?
• Has your energy level increased?
• Have you been very angry or hostile for no apparent reason?

If you answered yes to even just a few of these questions, it could be an indication of the manic portion of bipolar disorder. Of course, we have all probably felt some of these things for short periods of time, but with bipolar disorder, these symptoms can last for weeks, even months.

The flip side of bipolar disorder is called the depressive state. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you might be facing the depressive state:

• Have you ever had periods of uncontrollable crying without any apparent reason?
• Have you lost interest in activities you enjoyed in the past?
• Have you had a significant decrease in energy?
• Have you experienced despair and hopelessness?
• Do you feel guilty for no apparent reason?
• Have you had thoughts of death or suicide?
• Have you had a significant increase or decrease in body weight?
• Have you experienced insomnia (inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping more than normal)?

If you were able to answer yes to just a few of these questions, you should discuss these symptoms with your physician. Get help now with Solace Counseling, where we can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan for your bipolar disorder to help you get your life back on track.