Bipolar Disorder vs Depression - 5 Signs You're Likely Bipolar

Bipolar disorder vs. depression? It's not always easy to tell. The symptoms of bipolar disorder include depression symptoms. So you may wonder, am I depressed or bipolar? Many people will be diagnosed with depression for years before they have a manic or hypomanic episode, which is the main sign that you have bipolar disorder vs depression. In this video I give you 5 signs that your depression is more likely part of bipolar disorder and not unipolar depression.

References:
Aiken, Chris B. et al. The Bipolarity index: a clinician-rated measure of diagnostic confidence. Journal of Affective Disorders , Volume 177 , 59 - 64

[DrTraceyMarks]

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[laurasimon]

Tracey: I produce episodes every week
Me as a bipolar: yeah me too 😂😂

[bearbreath]

One of the most helpful compliments I’ve ever received is: “There’s something magical and unique about the perspectives a bipolar person brings to the table. If they try to articulate it, they can assess things from multiple states of mind, and understand multiple perspectives.”
Sometimes I feel like I have a shattered mind, and sometimes I feel on top of the world. Perceiving myself as someone with something to offer, helps me fight hard to operate in the center of the parameters of my emotions, and even when I feel very bad, I do sleep better with the successes, and that is everything for me.

[toddmusic]

Sending love and hope to everyone here fighting for normalcy amidst mental illness.

[lc]

Bipolar high feels great, I feel so confident and so sociable, I can talk to anybody and feel like I can achieve anything and my thinking is so clear, everything feels effortless. I would give anything to feel like that everyday, it's a shame the highs only last 3 or 4 day while the lows last months :(

[lazylurker]

I've been depressed ever since I can remember so I don't get what "getting back to my old self" or "returning to normal" would be

[feelone]

I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and then bipolar 1 after a severe episode. One thing that I think is very indicative of maybe being bipolar is how others see you as well as how you see yourself . Look at how others react to you when “manic” and also “depressed”. There were so many times (and I can see it clearly in retrospect ) where my energy was so intense that it was off putting to others (you can see them side eye each other when you talk) …comments like “whoa slow down” or what are you “on” ? Realizing you just spewed 10 ideas in someone’s face (unrelated to each other and in rapid fire I would always feel so much shame after an episode when looking back at those moments ….I also remember times where something “good” would happen and the euphoria I would feel and thinking “this is the best day of my life, why is everything so perfect etc…I also notice my reflexes are next level on point. Dropping things and catching in mid air.

[phutureproof]

I have suffered with bouts of incredible depression my whole life, im 41, start of this year i landed my dream job, now im unemployed and almost killed myself back in march. I dont know whats wrong, i have no official diagnosis, this is my first time even talking about it, its hard to talk about, im already crying, stay safe everyone

[clcl]

being bipolar one is not fun. It truly hurts relationships with people and friends.

[channalmath]

Dr. Marks makes me think there might be some psychiatrists out there who actually still care about patients

[nicolebalm]

You have described exactly what happened to me: years of depressions, lots of different anti depressants and psychiatrists without any result, my mother bipolar 1. I'm now on Lithium and stable. Struggling with weight gain and flat mood but stable. Thank you. You explain it so clearly, I'm sure this can help a lot of people. Looking for the right help takes so much time and hopelessness. Love from Spain

[BrownGeorge-pwxo]

I was severely traumatized years ago as a teenage, got diagnosed with bipolar. Spent my whole life fighting bipolar. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.

[sallyomae]

Realizing that other people don’t oscillate between deep sadness and sudden burst of energy/relief/hope makes so much sense.

[maddie]

Bipolar is a lot of forgiveness. Forgiveness for yourself and from others. It hurts sometimes, can be amazing sometimes, is generally a roller coaster. No shame.

[stepheno.]

Dr. Marks as a practicing APRN (PMHNP), in the trenches providing clinical care, I can not begin to express how helpful your videos are. Thank you for all your work and dedication Doc!

[lazarocito]

this is so eye opening. i was given an unspecified bipolar disorder bc my recurrent depressive episodes only improved with antipsychotics. and my hypomania is so subtle i never even notice it! great video

[killercrabcake]

I’m 40 and just received my diagnosis, I started meds and therapy and feel I have a new lease in life. To those struggling, please don’t give up

[lanna]

So many times I've cried to myself "i want to be normal" i have so much self hate for being this way and wish god had given me a different life.

[angrykatrants]

i got my diagnosis yesterday… everything you’re saying, i’m resonating with. especially hypomania!! thank you for your work!

[samuelfink]

I find my depression to be like the tide, some days it just wets my feet but lately I’ve been grasping for air. I’m so tired and just want rest from this.