What annoying symptoms made you realize you have Bipolar?
I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and looking back, there were so many signs that I didn't fully recognize at the time. Now that I know more about the condition, I can connect the dots, but it was frustrating not understanding what was going on with me before.
Some of the symptoms that stood out the most:
- The energy rollercoaster: I would go from feeling like I could conquer the world to barely being able to get out of bed for days. It felt like my energy levels were constantly betraying me.
- Impulsive decisions: Whether it was spending too much money, starting a million projects, or saying things I regretted, I couldn’t understand why I acted so impulsively.
- Mood swings: One moment, I’d be euphoric, talking non-stop, and feeling unstoppable, and the next, I’d sink into a pit of hopelessness. It was exhausting and made me question my own stability.
- Trouble sleeping: I couldn’t sleep during manic phases no matter how hard I tried, and during depressive phases, all I wanted to do was sleep but still felt exhausted.
- Relationship challenges: I often felt like my emotions were too much for the people around me, and I struggled with guilt after arguments or miscommunications.
Getting the diagnosis has been overwhelming but also a relief—I finally have an explanation for what’s been going on all these years. I’m curious: what symptoms made you realize you might have bipolar, or made others around you suggest getting help?
Any advice on how to navigate this diagnosis would be appreciated, too.It’s all still very new to me, and hearing from others who’ve been through this would mean a lot.