The #1 Surprising Sign of Bipolar Disorder Most People Miss

Emily Laurence

Woman with bipolar disorder in a therapist's office

Social media has become a common place for people to learn about different mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, which an estimated 4% of U.S. adults will experience at some point in their life. 

Many people with bipolar disorder use social media to share what their experience is like, including symptoms that helped clue them in that they have the mental health condition. While talking openly about mental health on social media is certainly beneficial, there is also a danger in self-diagnosing based on someone else’s videos—especially if they are not a mental health expert. With any mental health condition, including bipolar disorder, it’s important to know the signs, which is the first step toward receiving proper treatment. 

Related: 'I Have Bipolar Disorder—Here's Are 6 Ways My Mental Illness Really Affects My Life'

Signs of Bipolar Disorder—Including One That May Surprise You

Bipolar disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition in which someone experiences drastic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels that impact one’s daily life when left untreated. While everyone experiences ups and downs, for someone with bipolar disorder, these shifts are much more dramatic. 

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include irritability and aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, depression and mania, hyperactivity, anxiety and mood swings. GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC, a licensed therapist and founder of PsychPoint, says that many people don’t know that significant changes in sleep patterns (which she says happen when someone is experiencing a manic episode) are a sign of bipolar disorder. “During a manic episode, a person may experience the sensation of consistently high energy and little desire or need for sleep. They will often struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep and will sleep significantly less often than when their mood is regulated,” she explains.

Guarino explains a person in a manic state may interpret their desire to forgo sleep as good because they can feel more energetic, invincible and motivated. But she emphasizes that prolonged periods of little or no sleep can negatively impact health. 

Related: The 9 Most Common Myths About Bipolar Disorder—and Facts You Should Know

Jacob Wilen, MA, AMFT, a psychotherapist at Wilen Psych, says that what makes this sign even more difficult to connect to bipolar disorder is the fact that our society celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, which can often take the form of working long hours with little sleep. “The line can get blurred between healthy ambition and the signs of bipolar mania or hypomania,” he explains. “For instance, the euphoric overconfidence of mania might inspire someone to launch several businesses at once and take major financial risks, all with very little sleep. This can be quite challenging to distinguish from a non-manic all-nighter driven by impending work deadlines, anxiety and caffeine. However, the eventual results of mania can be devastating.”

If you have any questions about bipolar disorder’s symptoms or wonder if it’s something you have, both Wilen and Guarino recommend talking to a therapist or psychiatrist. “Mental health professionals are trained to meticulously rule out any other possible causes of sudden mood changes,” Wilen says, suggesting that if you think you have bipolar disorder, it can be helpful to use a mood-tracking app to document your symptoms and share with your healthcare providers. “I always encourage my clients to advocate for themselves, never be afraid to ask questions, and relate to your therapists, psychiatrists and physicians as collaborators on your treatment team,” he adds.

Guarino warns that if you do have bipolar disorder, not seeking treatment can be hazardous. “When a person with bipolar disorder does not have proper care, they put themselves at risk for prolonged challenges, including impacted relationships, risk of impulsivity or aggression and possible psychotic episodes that can cause hallucinations, delusions and more,” she explains. 

Related: Self-Diagnosis Can Be Dangerous—Here's How to Talk to Your Doctor if You Suspect You Have Bipolar Disorder

Misconceptions About Bipolar Disorder Therapists Want Everyone to Stop Believing

As with other mental health conditions, unfortunately, there are beliefs about bipolar disorder many people have that simply are not true. Wilen says that bipolar disorder does not resemble living a double life as in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  

“In the story, trusted physician Dr. Jekyll lives an out-of-control double life, spontaneously turning into a violent ‘maniac’ alter ego named Mr. Hyde. In reality, bipolar mood swings are a lot less thrilling and do not flip like a switch. Manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes will typically last several weeks or even months. This is why becoming aware of the more subtle signs and symptoms is key to achieving bipolar wellness,” Wilen explains. 

Guarino shares that another misconception about bipolar disorder is that someone who has bipolar disorder is incapable of living a productive, healthy life. This, she says, is simply not true. “Many people with bipolar disorder can establish healthy and successful careers and family lives, especially when they are responsibly engaging in treatment for their condition,” she explains.

Guarino emphasizes that bipolar disorder is treatable and people with bipolar disorder can live normal lives as long as they receive proper care. “Taking the first step to seek help is scary, but it can lead to a better quality of life and relief from mental health challenges, so if you are concerned for your mental health, seek support from a mental health professional or your primary doctor,” she says.

Knowing the signs of bipolar disorder is the first step toward treatment, but the second step is actually making an appointment with a mental health professional or primary care doctor. If you do have bipolar disorder, receiving proper treatment can transform your life making the highs and lows of the condition easier to navigate. When it comes to your mental health, being proactive is always worth it. 

Next up, did you know that these 10 celebrities have bipolar disorder?

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