Bipolar disorder symptoms aren’t always dramatic. I once had a client, let’s call her Ananya. She was 27, worked in a fast-paced media job, and had what she called “periods of superpowers.” For weeks she’d sleep barely 3 hours, pitch wild ideas at work, go on online shopping sprees, and feel like nothing could touch her. Then suddenly, she’d crash. Couldn’t get out of bed. Missed deadlines. Stopped replying to texts.
“I thought I was just moody,” she whispered during our first session.
So many women I meet say the same. Especially in our desi culture, where emotional highs and lows are often dismissed as hormonal or too sensitive. But what if it’s something more?
Let’s talk about the real signs. Not the stereotypes. Not the movie drama. Just the truth about bipolar disorder symptoms that women need to know.
What Exactly Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts include manic episodes (high-energy states) and depressive episodes (low-energy states). It’s not just about being happy one moment and sad the next. It’s about intensity, duration, and how it affects your daily life.
It affects both men and women, but in women, symptoms can be subtler, longer-lasting, and often overlap with PMS or postpartum experiences.
1. Emotional Highs That Feel Like Superpowers
Manic episodes aren’t always wild or scary. Sometimes they feel… amazing. You might:
- Feel euphoric or unusually excited
- Speak rapidly, jump from topic to topic
- Have racing thoughts and creative bursts
- Need very little sleep
But here’s the thing, if it’s followed by a crash, it might not be just a “good week.”
2. Crushing Lows That Feel Endless
These aren’t just “off days.” Depressive episodes can look like:
- Intense sadness or hopelessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
3. Drastic Mood Swings That Confuse Even You
One day you’re cleaning the whole house and meal prepping for the week. The next, you’re crying because someone ate the last piece of chocolate. Sound familiar?
Mood swings in bipolar disorder symptoms are intense, often without clear triggers. And they can disrupt work, relationships, and your sense of self.
4. Impulsive Decisions You Later Regret
Bought a saree in every color after one late-night scroll? Booked a solo trip without telling anyone? These can be signs of impulsivity during manic phases.
Especially when followed by shame or confusion later.
5. Irritability That Feels Like a Volcano
Not every manic phase looks happy. Some women become extremely irritable or angry. Snapping at loved ones, starting arguments, feeling constantly “on edge.”
This is often missed or misdiagnosed as stress or anxiety.
6. Difficulty Maintaining Routines
From brushing your hair to replying to messages, tasks can feel like mountains during depressive episodes. And in manic ones, structure flies out the window.
It’s not laziness. It’s part of the cycle.
7. Family History or Postpartum Triggers
Women with a family history of mental illness, or those who’ve had intense mood changes after childbirth, are more at risk. Bipolar disorder often shows up in your 20s. Right when life is already full of transitions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Symptom Type | Manic Episode | Depressive Episode |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Levels | Very high, restless | Very low, sluggish |
| Sleep Patterns | Decreased need for sleep | Sleeping too much or insomnia |
| Mood State | Euphoric or irritable | Sad, hopeless |
| Thinking Style | Racing thoughts | Difficulty concentrating |
| Common Behaviours | Impulsive spending, risky decisions | Withdrawal, lack of interest |
When to Seek Help
If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Bipolar disorder symptoms are manageable with the right diagnosis and support. Therapy, medication, and self-care routines can truly transform life.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom before asking for help.
These days, more and more women are courageously taking steps to face, understand, and improve their mental health. I’ve shared my take on why this shift is so powerful in a recent piece , you can read it here: Why Indian Women Are Finally Searching ‘Mental Health’.
And if you’re curious to explore more about what bipolar disorder symptoms actually look like from a clinical lens, the Mayo Clinic’s guide on bipolar disorder is a helpful next step.
And if you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling is “bad enough,” let me tell you what I told Ananya:
“You don’t need to earn your pain. You deserve care simply because you exist.”
Disclaimer
This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or any mental health condition, please consult a qualified mental health professional. Your wellbeing matters.
FAQs About Bipolar Disorder
Q1: What is bipolar disorder and how does it affect women?
Bipolar disorder causes extreme emotional highs and lows. In women, it may show up as longer depressive phases, sensitivity to hormonal changes, and emotional overwhelm. Understanding how it affects daily life is the first step toward support and stability.
Q2: How is bipolar disorder typically diagnosed?
To diagnose bipolar disorder, mental health professionals track your mood history, behavioural patterns, and personal triggers. It often requires a combination of clinical interviews, questionnaires, and discussions with close family or friends to confirm patterns.
Q3: Can people with bipolar disorder live balanced lives?
Yes, people with bipolar disorder can lead stable, fulfilling lives. With consistent treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, many women thrive emotionally, professionally, and socially while managing their diagnosis.
Q4: What are some common causes behind bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder may be influenced by genetic history, brain chemistry, and major life events. Factors like trauma, chronic stress, or childbirth can also contribute, especially in women navigating emotional and physical shifts.
Q5: Is bipolar disorder treatable with therapy alone?
While therapy helps manage bipolar disorder significantly, it often works best when combined with medication and routine. The goal is not just to treat symptoms but to create emotional balance and long-term wellbeing.
Rina Goswamy is a psychotherapist with 11 years of experience helping women from all walks of life navigate emotional challenges, relationships, and self-discovery. Known for her bubbly warmth and no-nonsense insight, Rina believes therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy — sometimes, all it takes is asking the right question at the right time. Her writing feels like a conversation with a wise friend who just gets it.
