Bipolar disorder can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—extreme highs that leave you spinning, and deep lows that feel impossible to escape. When you’re in the middle of a mood episode, it can be hard to see clearly or ask for help. But what if you could catch those changes before they reach their peak?
Knowing how to spot the early signs of a bipolar episode, whether manic or depressive, can be a powerful step toward feeling more in control of your diagnosis. It can also be a game-changer for your recovery and relationships.
Let’s take a look at some of the early warning signs that suggest you might be in need of some extra support—and what you can do to get yourself back on track.
Early Signs of a Manic or Hypomanic Episode
Manic and hypomanic episodes vary in intensity, but both can escalate quickly if left unchecked. Hypomania, often seen in bipolar II disorder, may be less disruptive at first—but it can still lead to poor decisions and eventually crash into depression. The earlier you can spot the signs, the easier it is to respond appropriately.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Sleeping less, but not feeling tired. You may go from needing seven to eight hours of sleep to feeling “fine” on just three or four, but this energy boost is misleading. It’s a red flag, not a superpower.
- Rapid speech. You might feel like your words are spilling out too fast to control. Others may have trouble following your words, or you may interrupt more often.
- Racing thoughts. Your thoughts may jump rapidly from one idea to the next. Some people describe this as having “too many tabs open” in their brain or being unable to finish one thought before the next takes over.
- Feelings of euphoria or irritability. A manic mood isn’t always happy. Some people feel euphoric, energized, or invincible, while others may become irritable, snappy, or overly sensitive to criticism.
- Risky behavior or impulsivity. Shopping sprees, reckless driving, gambling, overspending, or engaging in risky sexual behavior are common when someone is in the middle of a manic episode.
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity. You might believe you have special talents, are destined for greatness, or are invulnerable to consequences. These thoughts can quickly spiral into unrealistic or unsafe plans.
- Hyper-productivity or obsessive focus. You may suddenly dive into projects, hobbies, or work with a sense of urgency that borders on obsession. You might start multiple new tasks, but fail to finish any.
- Unusual sensory experiences. In some cases, people with a bipolar diagnosis become hypersensitive to lights, sounds, or textures. Sometimes, they even start seeing or hearing things that others don’t. (This is a sign of a more severe manic episode.)
Early Signs of a Depressive Episode
Depressive episodes often sneak in quietly. What starts as a bad day can gradually deepen into a heavy fog that’s hard to escape. Recognizing the early indicators can help you put support systems in place before the low becomes overwhelming.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Persistent fatigue and a general lack of energy. You might feel physically drained, even after resting. Simple tasks like showering, brushing your teeth, and making food start to feel monumental.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. Doctors call this anhedonia. Whether it’s music, movies, hobbies, or friendships, everything starts to feel muted or meaningless.
- Withdrawing from others. You may avoid phone calls, cancel plans, or isolate more than usual. Social interaction might feel like too much effort or bring feelings of guilt or shame.
- Changes in appetite. Some people experiencing a depressive episode lose their appetite entirely, while others overeat. Both are signs that your body and mood are out of balance.
- Sleep disruption. You might sleep too much (hypersomnia) or not at all (insomnia). Either way, your sleep doesn’t feel refreshing, and getting out of bed is a struggle.
- Hopelessness and self-criticism. Thoughts like “I’m a burden,” “Nothing will ever get better,” or “I can’t do anything right” start to repeat. This negative self-talk can feel constant and deeply convincing.
- Physical aches or pains without a clear cause. Depression often shows up in the body through headaches, stomach issues, or tension. These symptoms are very real, even if they’re rooted in your emotional state.
- Difficulty concentrating. You might feel foggy or forgetful. Tasks that once felt routine—reading an email, following a recipe, driving a familiar route—become frustratingly difficult.
- Thoughts of death or self-harm. Suicidal thoughts can start as passive (e.g., “I wish I didn’t exist”) and grow more intense. If this happens, it’s critical to reach out for immediate support.
What to Do When You Notice the Signs of a Bipolar Episode
If you’re beginning to notice early signs of a mood shift:
- Take time to reflect. Try not to judge yourself. Instead, ask: What am I feeling? What triggered this?
- Talk to someone you trust. Let a loved one or mental health provider know what you’re noticing.
- Stick to your treatment plan. Continue taking medications as prescribed and attending therapy.
- Adjust your schedule. Reduce stimulation, get more sleep, and avoid major decisions if you’re in a manic phase.
Whether you’re noticing an uptick in energy that feels too good to be true or sinking into a quiet sadness that’s growing heavier by the day—please don’t wait until it’s “bad enough” to take action. Early action can prevent a crisis.
Let Us Help You Stay Ahead of Your Bipolar Disorder
If you start to feel like your symptoms are returning, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that treatment isn’t working. It means your brain is asking for help—and the fact that you’re listening means you’re taking control.
With the right tools and support, you can manage your symptoms and thrive. Let Eagle View Behavioral Health help you find your path forward. Contact us today for a free, confidential assessment or to learn more about the programs available at our Bettendorf, Iowa facility.
