Bipolar disorder: signs of the highs and the lows
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person has episodes of depression and episodes of unusually high or irritable mood and energy, called mania or hypomania. Between episodes, many people feel well. It is treatable, and a psychiatrist can diagnose it.
Last updated 2 November 2026
The low phase (depression)
- low mood, sadness or emptiness
- loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- low energy and trouble concentrating
- changes in sleep and appetite
- feeling hopeless or having thoughts of death or of harming yourself
The high phase (mania or hypomania)
- unusually high energy or an elevated or irritable mood
- needing much less sleep without feeling tired
- racing thoughts and fast speech
- feeling very confident, or having grand ideas
- acting on impulse, such as spending a lot or taking risks
How it differs from depression
In depression alone, there are no high phases. Because many people first seek help during a low phase, bipolar disorder can be mistaken for depression. Telling a clinician about any past periods of unusually high energy or very little sleep helps them reach the right diagnosis.
Treatment
Bipolar disorder is usually treated with medicine to stabilise mood, together with psychological support and help with sleep and daily routines. A psychiatrist will plan this with you. Do not stop medicine suddenly without medical advice.
When to get help
See a doctor if you notice these patterns, or if someone close to you does. Get urgent help during a high phase if there is risk to safety, and at any time if there are thoughts of self-harm.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
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Common questions
Is bipolar disorder the same as mood swings?
No. Everyone has ups and downs. In bipolar disorder the episodes are distinct, last for days or longer, and clearly change how a person thinks, sleeps and behaves.
Can bipolar disorder be treated?
Yes. Medicine and psychological support help many people keep their mood steady and lead full lives.
Who can diagnose it?
A psychiatrist, who asks about your mood history across your life, and often with input from family.
Related
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- When to see a psychiatrist
- Mental health at work: warning signs and what helps
- Teenage mental health: signs parents should not ignore
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.