Movies and TV shows often portray mental illness with stereotypes. These stereotypes shape our perception of mental illness to some extent or in some cases, completely. The reality, however, can be far different. The signs and symptoms of mental illness can be subtle and hard to pinpoint.
In simple terms, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes severe mood swings. Bipolar disorder can vary in severity. If you are dating someone who has this illness, handling them can be tricky, as you could mistakenly assume they’re having a bad day, are being moody, or having trouble at work. Here are 7 signs that your loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder.
1. Elevated Mood
In this state, patients go through a high-energy phase. Their mood is elevated and they feel overly happy for long periods of time. Their need for sleep decreases in this state. You may notice a lot of energy and creativity in them during this period. They sometimes display overconfidence in their abilities as well.