Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between mania/hypomania and depression. Early red flags often appear in late teens or early 20s; recognizing them prompts professional evaluation. Seek a psychiatrist or therapist for diagnosis self-assessment isn’t enough.

Manic/hypomanic signs (lasting days to weeks):

1. Elevated/irritable mood — Feeling euphoric, “on top of the world,” or unusually angry.
2. Decreased need for sleep — Functioning well on 3–4 hours/night without fatigue.
3. Racing thoughts/talkativeness — Ideas flood; speech is rapid, hard to interrupt.
4. Impulsivity — Reckless spending, risky sex, quitting jobs, or driving dangerously.
5. Grandiosity — Believing you have special powers or can achieve impossible goals.

Depressive signs (lasting weeks):

1. Profound sadness/hopelessness — Persistent low mood, crying spells, or emotional numbness.
2. Loss of interest — Abandoning hobbies, friends, or work.
3. Fatigue/guilt — Extreme lethargy; feeling worthless despite evidence otherwise.
4. Suicidal thoughts — Passive (“I’d be better off gone”) or active planning.

Key patterns:

• Cycling: Mood shifts are more dramatic than typical ups/downs; episodes disrupt relationships, school, or work.
• Family history: Bipolar has strong genetic links check relatives for mood disorders.
• Triggers: Episodes may follow stress, sleep loss, substances (alcohol, stimulants), or seasonal changes.

Subtle early clues:

• “Highs” mistaken for productivity (pulling all-nighters to finish projects).
• Friends notice you’re “different” during episodes.
• Antidepressants (if prescribed for depression) trigger manic symptoms.

Action steps: Track mood daily (apps like Daylio), note sleep/energy, and share with a clinician. Rule out thyroid issues, substance use, or borderline personality disorder, which mimic bipolar. Early intervention with mood stabilizers or therapy (CBT, IPSRT) can prevent severe cycles. If suicidal, call 988 (US) or local crisis line immediately.