What does bipolar 2 feel like? Insights and tips from real people
If you've received a diagnosis of bipolar 2, reading about others' firsthand experiences can be helpful in coming to terms with this mental health condition. And if you've got a family member or loved one with bipolar 2, understanding what their experience may be like can enable you to better provide empathy and appropriate support.
In the Inspire community, members living with bipolar 2 (also called bipolar II disorder and sometimes abbreviated BP-II) share authentic details of living with this condition. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor before trying any new treatments or medications.
To access more discussions about bipolar 2 and many other mental health conditions, and to participate with other members including patients and their friends and families, join the Inspire Mental Health America community today.
What does bipolar 2 feel like?
Bipolar 2 is one of four main types of bipolar disorder. The hallmarks of bipolar 2 are at least one episode of hypomania (a milder form of mania) and at least one episode of major depression without a full manic episode.
Here's what it feels like according to Inspire community members who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder 2.
A recurring theme in bipolar 2 experiences is a profound wave of emotions that can result in feeling out of control.
“I think bipolar when it’s not controlled feels like an emotional roller coaster. You have the same feelings as everyone else, you just feel them deeper. A lot of times I fight it not wanting to be led by feelings and wanting to be led by my intelligence. The feelings are not always situational. Meaning you can be depressed for no reason at all. Mixed episodes for me feel like blah when you're mildly depressed and mildly manic at the same time. When I’m manic I mostly shop a lot and make harmless impulsive decisions like taking off for a weekend at the last minute, unplanned. It can be more extreme for others.” View post
Another member describes feeling a "high" (hypomanic phase) they're currently experiencing.
“Tonight I am frustrated. I’m on a ‘high.’ It’s midnight, I’m full of energy and hope. I want to steam clean the carpets and scrub the baseboards to prep for painting this summer. I want to organize the closet. My spouse and I plan to move within the next few years, and I’m already planning the layout of our home in Texas. And I’m frustrated because I know what is to come, most likely tomorrow.
Tomorrow will bring a storm of sadness. It will bring relentless tears and horrifying thoughts. It will bring exhaustion and restlessness. I’m stuck on this rollercoaster, and I’m afraid of heights (so to speak).” View post
According to one member, it may be more helpful to view bipolar 2 as its own, separate condition from bipolar 1.
“Bipolar 2 is NOT just "bipolar light," but a separate condition. Symptoms include much longer periods of depression with occasional periods of hypomania - which is not nearly as extreme as full-blown mania. Like any disorder, it can also occur in combination with other brain issues.” View post
Mood disturbances like hypomania can have serious life consequences for people with bipolar 2 and their loved ones.
“I would get into goofing around on social networking - fairly inappropriate jokes, constantly late to work, avoiding family and friends to do it, etc. I was a little more into [explicit content] and tried to encourage my wife to do some 'out there' things. I would start obsessing about my invention ideas particular to my line of work. I would also play the lottery a little more because I had more of an interest in getting rich quick and quitting my job. I started believing that divorce was the answer to my problems so I could get away from the wife and kids and have time to pursue my hobbies, etc. I also started believing that that way I could pursue women who truly interested me: ones more like prostitutes - very sexual, fun, no arguing, etc. I too have expressed regret when coming down.” View post
Bipolar 2 can also affect concentration, clarity of thought, and communication, as shown in this member's description.
“Bipolar 2 here. I lose the thought as fast as I thought it, too. I think my meds have added to this problem. Seroquel calms me down a lot but I think this losing train of thought problem may be a side effect of my AP. I have trouble with communication some days, too. (It's easier to write like this than it is to find the nouns and adjectives I'm looking for on the fly.)” View post
Feeling a loss of motivation and lack of interest can also accompany the "brain fog" of bipolar 2.
“My problem is that I think, ‘What's next?’ You see, there is absolutely nothing that interests me. I used to read a couple of books a week. But my concentration is not good. I either read the same paragraph over and over again, vaguely retaining what I read, or I lose interest in the book before the first chapter is read. I have gone to the library and brought back some great reads only to return most of them unread.” View post
If you've got a diagnosis of bipolar 2, our tips for living better with bipolar disorder can help you get more insight into proper treatment, self-care, and what to expect.
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Disclaimer
Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
