Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Understanding the Highs and Lows with Help from SNBCare

Bipolar disorder symptoms often go unrecognized or misunderstood—yet this mental health condition affects millions of people and can deeply impact relationships, work, and daily life. At SNBCare, we help individuals and families understand the patterns of bipolar disorder and offer tailored care through psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and medication. Our integrated approach supports lasting stability, emotional insight, and improved quality of life.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric illness that consists of dramatic mood, energy, and behavioral changes. These changes are much more extreme than normal mood swings. The episodes include mania or hypomania (high or irritable mood, high energy) and depression (low energy, sadness, lack of interest in everyday activities). Such states of mood can be severe, long-lasting, and disruptive.

At SNBCare, the patients will often present not realizing they might have bipolar disorder. Some will initially present with anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. That is why the overall psychiatric evaluations is so important—to properly discern what’s occurring and design an effective treatment plan.

Key Bipolar Disorder Symptoms to Recognize

The signs of bipolar disorder will depend on the type (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymic Disorder), but patterns will often involve:

Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania:

• Increased energy or activity levels
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Rapid speech or racing thoughts
• Risky behaviors (spending sprees, reckless driving, impulsive decisions)
• Distractibility or restlessness
• Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting days or weeks

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Low energy and fatigue
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

If you notice manic and depressive symptoms at some point, you might be working with bipolar disorder—even if they happen months apart. You need a behavioral health provider to help with diagnosis and treatment.

How SNBCare Can Help

As a respected mental wellness center, SNBCare provides a comprehensive array of services to assist individuals in maintaining bipolar disorder:

• Detailed psychiatric evaluations for proper diagnosis
• Medication management, such as mood stabilizers and medication for depression
• Regular therapy, such as CBT and insight-oriented therapy
• Patient and family education regarding symptom recognition and triggers
• Crisis planning and relapse prevention techniques

We also have telehealth for anxiety and depression, which allows patients to better stick with consistent care—even on low energy or chaotic days.

Why Bipolar Disorder Often Gets Misdiagnosed

Bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed, especially when individuals only seek help during depressive episodes. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone to receive treatment with medication for depression without realizing they’re also experiencing manic phases.

This is why an accurate psychiatric evaluation is the foundation of treatment at SNBCare. Our experienced clinicians take time to understand your full emotional history, not just your current symptoms.

We also examine carefully family background, stressors, sleep, and behavioral patterns. It’s a comprehensive, empathetic process that provides for an individualized diagnosis—and better care.

Online and In-Person Support at SNBCare

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or fighting with longstanding symptoms, SNBCare is here to support you. With locations in Framingham, Natick, Raynham, and North Smithfield—and online therapy for depression and mood disorders—you can stay connected to your care team with ease.

As a premier behavioral health provider in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, our mission is to accompany patients on their journey toward wellness, step by step.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you care about is experiencing mood swings that appear erratic or impossible to anticipate, it’s time to seek the advice of a professional. Bipolar disorder is an illness that can be treated, but the sooner you intervene, the better it will be managed.

Don’t wait for things to get out of control. Whether scheduling a psychiatry appointment or investigating telehealth for anxiety and depression, SNBCare has your back – science-based, compassionate, and long-term care.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder symptoms may be perplexing and disruptive, but with proper diagnosis and treatment plan, stability and peace of mind are accessible. At SNBCare, we assist people in riding out the highs and lows with professional guidance, customized treatment, and ongoing care. From your initial psychiatric assessment to long-term therapy and medication for depression, our staff is committed to accompanying you every step of the way.

Consult with SNBCare to find out more about our services or to book a consultation Call at 781-666-2711. Hope, healing, and understanding begin here.