09/22/2025
Know the signs and get some help. (Even in the Kingdom! ) Look up but reach out! Pastor Josh LMHC
Signs of bipolar disorder include extreme mood shifts, from manic episodes of euphoria, high energy, and impulsivity to depressive episodes of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest. Mental decline can be indicated by difficulties with concentration, memory, and logical thinking, as well as significant changes in self-care, functioning at school or work, and social withdrawal. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe mood changes or signs of mental decline, it's important to seek a professional evaluation.
Signs of Bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.
Manic/Hypomanic Symptoms
Mood: Feeling unusually "high," elated, or extremely irritable.
Energy & Activity: Increased energy, restlessness, or taking on many new activities.
Sleep: A decreased need for sleep, even going days without sleep but feeling full of energy.
Thoughts & Speech: Racing thoughts, speaking very quickly, and jumping from topic to topic.
Behavior: Acting impulsively or engaging in high-risk behaviors.
Self-Perception: Unrealistic belief in one's abilities or exaggerated ideas about one's powers (grandiose delusions).
Depressive Symptoms
Mood: Persistent sadness, worry, feelings of emptiness, or hopelessness.
Interest: Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Energy: Feeling tired, having low energy, or feeling slowed down.
Sleep: Significant changes in sleep patterns, such as too much or too little sleep.
Appetite: Changes in appetite, leading to eating too much or too little.
Cognition: Difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, or forgetfulness.
Self-Worth: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or low self-confidence.
Signs of Mental Decline
Mental decline can manifest as a drop in overall functioning and cognitive abilities, which can occur with various conditions.
Cognitive Issues: Problems with concentration, memory, and logical thinking or speech.
Functional Drop: A significant and unexplained decrease in functioning at work, school, or in social situations.
Self-Care Decline: Difficulty with personal care, such as bathing or other daily routines.
Social Withdrawal: A loss of interest in previous activities and avoiding social interaction.
Behavioral Changes: Illogical or exaggerated beliefs and increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli.
Recognizing Mental Health Decline / Bipolar Disorder & Why It Matters
What to Pay Attention To
Mental health decline and bipolar disorder both involve changes in mood, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. Below are warning signs to notice in yourself or someone you care about.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder typically features episodes of mania (or hypomania) and episodes of depression. Key symptoms include:
Manic / Hypomanic Symptoms:
Feeling unusually high, elated, or extremely irritable
Increased energy, restlessness, taking on many new activities
Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested with far less sleep than usual)
Racing thoughts, rapid or pressured speech
Acting impulsively, taking risky behaviors (financial, sexual, law, etc.)
Grandiose ideas or inflated self-esteem
Depressive Symptoms:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, worry, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in former enjoyable activities
Low energy, fatigue, feeling slowed down
Sleep disruption: too much sleep, too little sleep, or poor sleep quality
Appetite changes: overeating or lack of appetite
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, forgetfulness
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Signs of Mental Decline (Cognitive & Functional Drop)
Mental decline may accompany bipolar disorder but can also occur with other illnesses. Signs include:
Trouble concentrating, lapses in memory, difficulty following a logical train of thought
Marked decline in performance at school, work, or daily responsibilities
Neglecting self-care (hygiene, eating, daily routines)
Withdrawing socially; loss of interest in previously meaningful relationships or activities
Behavioral or belief changes that seem illogical or exaggerated; heightened sensitivity
Why It’s Important to Seek Help Early
Early identification and treatment of bipolar disorder can reduce severity of episodes, improve quality of life, and help prevent complications (e.g. substance use, damaged relationships, job loss).
Cognitive decline or drop in daily functioning signals that the condition is having a serious impact and professional evaluation is crucial.
The longer symptoms are untreated, the more risk for worsening or more frequent episodes.
What to Do / Getting Help
Talk with a mental health professional: psychiatrist, psychologist, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), or other therapist. They can assess symptoms using diagnostic criteria.
Medical evaluation: Sometimes physical illness or medications can worsen mood or cognition; getting lab work or medical checkups may help rule out other causes.
Support system: trusted friends, family, faith community. Let people know what’s happening so they can support.
Therapies and treatments: medication (mood stabilizers, sometimes antidepressants under supervision), psychotherapy (CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, etc.), lifestyle adjustments (sleep hygiene, regular routines, healthy diet, exercise).
Monitor warning signs: Keep track of mood, sleep, energy, behavior changes. If you begin to see a pattern of extreme highs or lows, or a steady decline in day-to-day functioning, act early.
Crisis plan: If thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out immediately — local crisis lines, 988 in U.S., emergency services, or trusted people.
1. “Bipolar disorders: an update on critical aspects” (Oliva, 2024) — discusses diagnostic features and new insights. PMC
2. “Bipolar Disorder” entry in StatPearls — defines criteria for mania, hypomania, depression. NCBI
3. “Diagnosing and treating bipolar spectrum disorders” — American Psychological Association article. APA
4. “Bipolar depression: the clinical characteristics and unmet needs” (McIntyre et al., 2019) — details clinical features of depressive phases and research gaps. Taylor & Francis Online
5. “Diagnosis and management of bipolar disorders” (Goes et al., BMJ review, 2023) — treatment options, subtypes, what to expect. BMJ
