What is it?
Mixed mood swings of manic and depression lasting at least one week
Manic:
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- More talkative, racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Excessive actions, high risk activities
Depressive:
- Loss of energy and interest
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Sleep disturbance and/or agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Diminished ability to think, concentrate and/or focus
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What does it look like?
- Overly optimistic, registering for too many classes
- Taking on too much responsibility
- Making poor financial decisions, unable to pay for school expenses
- Missing classes and appointments, erratic attendance
- Blaming behavior on medication, i.e it takes my creativity away