When we talk about mental illness, there are sufficient amount of stereotypes. But in reality, mood disorders can be hard to distinguish, especially in people with bipolar disorder symptoms.
According to an associate professor in residence of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and psychology, moodiness or trouble at work or tiredness is pretty common in case of bipolar disorder and it varies in severity.

Here are 10 signs that mood problems may be due to more than an unusual or difficult personality.

1. Great mood

Bipolar disorder is characterized by up-and-down episodes of mania and depression. During a manic phase, some patients can have a total break from reality.

2. High Energy

Also known as hypomania which is a symptom of the disorder, is a high-energy state in which a person feels excited or passionate but hasn’t lost his or her grip on reality.

3. Depression

A person suffering from bipolar disorder can have depression symptoms like sadness, less energetic, uncontrollable crying, anxiety, irritability, change in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide. Usually person resides on past mistakes which can make him or her feel really bad. This is why a person may not take interest or pleasure in his or her life.

4. Irritability

Many a times a person suffering from bipolar disorder may experience unusually positive or highly irritable mood. Normal irritability only lasts for a while but at times it can last for a longer period of time. Extreme irritability creates problem in their personal life.

5. Rapid speech

Some people are naturally very talkative but a person with bipolar disorder may experience pressured speech. Besides rapid speech, a person may also get distracted from one topic of discussion to another.

6. Sleep problem

People having bipolar disorder often have sleep problems. They may sleep too much, while during other times they may not feel the need to sleep at all. Sleeping only a few hours every night is one of the warning signs of bipolar disorder.

7. Trouble at work

People suffering from bipolar disorder often have difficulty in the workplace because so many of their symptoms can interfere with their ability to show up for work, do their job, and interact productively with others.

8. Alcohol or drug abuse

More than 50% of people with bipolar disorder also have a substance abuse problem, particularly alcohol. Many people will start drinking alcoholic beverages in order to improve their mood when feeling depressed.

9. Erratic behavior

When a person with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase, he or she may indulge in activities they normally would not do. For example they can have unusual sexual behavior in an effort to slow down their mania.

10. Decreased ability to think clearly

Very often a person feel like their mind is racing here and there and they do not have control over their thoughts. People with bipolar may not recognize the symtoms or may not admit that they have no control over their mind. Due to this, it becomes hard for the person to remember things and make decisions.