I can’t really say that I have a bipolar disorder. I dunno if I will go out and see a doctor I will be diagnosed as that. Many times I’ve read descriptions and symptoms of this disorder that I self can self diagnose myself, but I also know that it is only the doctor who can do that. I come across this reading in the Health and Home magazine and I’d like to share them with you:

Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of extreme emotional highs (manias) and lows (depression). These emotions may at times be more intense and may vary in duration. Bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe and it’s manic phase usually present for a week or more at a time and may include –

• Feeling of euphoria, extreme optimism, and inflated self-esteem

• Rapid speech, racing thoughts, aggravation, and increased activity

• Poor judgment, recklessness

• Difficulty sleeping

• A tendency to be distracted

• Extreme irritability

Signs and symptoms of the depression phase may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, or hopelessness

• Disturbances in sleep, appetite

• Fatigue and loss of interest in your daily activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Source: March 2002 Mayo Clinic Health Letter