[caseyt]

can someone help me out i think i might be what r some signs?

[Victoria'smom]

A lot of the signs are the same as depression. People generally don't realize that they are hypo-manic when coming out of depression. I'm not much help because I will argue until I'm blue in the face that my behavior is no different then my normal behavior.

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

A lot of the signs are the same as depression. People generally don't realize that they are hypo-manic when coming out of depression. I'm not much help because I will argue until I'm blue in the face that my behavior is no different then my normal behavior.

Some people have more illness insight and realize when they are hypomanic, it is not uncommon. For me it's usually obvious as I start sweating much, much more.

[Otter63]

What makes you think you might be bipolar?

A manic episode for me usually starts with being unable to sleep. I start having more energy and confidence. It's the only disease I know of where the first sign of a return of the disease is a really good mood. For me it makes feeling good scary.

As things progress I tend to get much more spiritual, but it's not in line with my usual beliefs. In my mind I become the center of everything. I believe that I am influencing what happens on tv and that everything they are saying relates to me. These are common experiences for people with bipolar, although as I understand it, bipolar II doesn't have the delusions that I experience.

Hope that's helpful

[A Red Panda]

Level of energy vs sleep is my biggest marker that I'll pick up on.

Lots of sleep and still exhausted: probably in some level of depression.
Very little sleep and full of energy: hello hypomania!

I also (sometimes) notice my mood changes. Depressions are pretty obvious - things that normally would make me happy or excited just don't matter or make a difference. Hypomanias are rather trickier - I might find myself NOT being upset/caring about the things that would normally upset me. I'll be able to just brush them off and keep up the good mood!

I also have large social changes - In a depression I will withdraw and want to spend a lot of time by myself because everyone else will be stressing me out. When I'm hypomanic, I want to go out ALL THE TIME and will even want to be drinking on worknights (although I can resist that as the idea of working with a hangover is NOT my idea of fun!). People can't usually keep up with my pace when I'm hypomanic.

[Eliza Jane]

Originally Posted by Mandrec

Some people have more illness insight and realize when they are hypomanic, it is not uncommon. For me it's usually obvious as I start sweating much, much more.

Yes! I've never heard anyone else mention the sweating, but it is absolutely something that happens during my hypomania. I feel reassured that it wasn't my imagination!

EJ

For me the big indicators are lack of sleep, disturbed sleep and high energy and shopping! I know some might say "What??" but I shop, a lot. Agitated, Irritable and short tempered. Impatient and observant with a hint of paranoia.

On the down side...too much sleep, feeling tired, lack of energy, lack of interest in things that normally give pleasure like tv shows for example. Loss of libido and crushing depression. Crying a lot, over emotional with a hint more of paranoia.