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What does a bipolar shift feel like?


Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. A person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of mania (elevated moods and energy) and depression (low moods and energy). These mood episodes can last for days, weeks or months at a time.

When a person with bipolar disorder has a mood shift or “switches” from one pole of the disorder to the other, it is called a bipolar shift. These shifts in mood can often happen very quickly, sometimes even within a few hours. Bipolar shifts can be very disorienting and unsettling for the person experiencing them. In this article, we will explore what a bipolar shift feels like.

The Manic Phase

During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder experiences feelings of elation, euphoria or irritability. Some of the common symptoms of mania include:

  • Feeling extremely energetic, restless or agitated
  • Having racing thoughts or talking very fast
  • Being easily distracted or having poor concentration
  • Needing very little sleep
  • Having an inflated self-esteem or sense of grandiosity
  • Engaging in impulsive or high-risk behaviors like spending sprees, unsafe sex or substance abuse
  • Experiencing hallucinations or delusions in severe cases

A person shifting into a manic state often feels highly energetic, ambitious and creative. Everything seems clear, vivid and limitless. They may take on huge tasks and projects with ease. There is little need for sleep during full-blown mania. Some describe mania as feeling “on top of the world.”

However, mania can quickly spiral out of control. Impaired judgement during manic episodes can lead to disastrous consequences like bankruptcy from reckless spending or legal trouble from impulsive behavior. Irritability during mania can damage relationships. The euphoria of mania fades quickly, plunging the individual into depression.

The Depressive Phase

During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder experiences low moods, sadness, emptiness and loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Some common symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or irritable most of the day
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

When entering a depressive state, a person with bipolar disorder often feels completely deflated and lethargic after coming down from mania. Things that once brought joy now seem pointless. There is no motivation to get out of bed or care for oneself. Ruminating negative thoughts preoccupy the mind. As depression worsens, despair sets in along with thoughts of death or suicide.

Some describe depression as a heavy, dark feeling that makes it difficult to do anything. Simple tasks like washing dishes or getting dressed can feel monumental. There is little desire to talk to anyone. Isolation and withdrawal often occur during severe depressive episodes.

The Transition between Mania and Depression

Rapid cycling between manic and depressive states is common in bipolar disorder. An abrupt switch from a manic state to a depressed state (or vice versa) can occur within days or even hours. When moods shift suddenly in bipolar disorder, it can be incredibly disorienting.

Imagine the sensation of soaring high up in the sky during mania and then suddenly free-falling into the depths of despair. Some describe mania as being wired awake with unlimited energy, then crashing hard into exhaustion. The peaks and valleys of bipolar disorder can be dramatically polar opposite.

Going from Mania to Depression

When transitioning from mania to depression, a person can experience:

  • A sudden loss of energy after feeling revved up and euphoric
  • Feelings of failure after taking on big, unrealistic projects
  • Intense guilt or embarrassment over behavior while manic
  • Disappointment as ambitious ideas fail to materialize
  • Letdown after hyperactivity ceases
  • Suicidal thoughts as depression quickly takes over

The higher the manic peak, the steeper the crash into depression. Mood swings in bipolar can be dramatic and chaotic until mood stabilizing treatment is found.

Going from Depression to Mania

When shifting from depression into mania, a person may experience:

  • A surge of energy after feeling fatigued and lethargic
  • Sudden optimism after hopeless thoughts
  • Feeling revved up and talkative after isolation and silence
  • Decreased need for sleep after oversleeping
  • Racing thoughts after mental fogginess
  • Impulsive behavior after apathy

At first, the boost in energy and mood can feel great. But too often, mania spins out of control into irritability and risky choices. The crash back into depression inevitably returns.

Treatment for Bipolar Shifts

While bipolar shifts can be very disruptive, there are treatment options available to help stabilize mood swings. These include:

  • Mood stabilizing medications like lithium, anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics
  • Antidepressant medications (with mood stabilizers to prevent mania)
  • Psychotherapy for coping strategies
  • Consistency in sleep, diet and exercise routines
  • Stress management techniques
  • Support groups for encouragement

With professional treatment, many people with bipolar disorder can achieve adequate control over their mood shifts. Though challenging, managing bipolar disorder is possible with the right team support.

Conclusion

Bipolar shifts involve intense and often sudden changes between high and low mood states. Mania brings euphoria, energy and restlessness while depression brings sadness, emptiness and lethargy. The transition between the two extremes can be very disorienting and destabilizing. With medication, therapy and lifestyle management, people with bipolar disorder can reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings. Consistent long-term treatment is key to managing this lifelong condition.