Bipolar disorders are one of those disorders that get a lot of attention but little understanding. At some point in your life, I have no doubt you've heard...
Bipolar disorders are one of those disorders that get a lot of attention but little understanding.
At some point in your life, I have no doubt you've heard someone say, or said yourself, that someone you know was "totally bipolar."
Usually, this is done to express how wildly someone's mood seems to have changed and is almost always an over-exaggeration.
Unfortunately, this is also one of those rare times that, used as a hyperbole, it actually can capture what bipolar is like.
This is unfortunate because that leads to the word being used far more often without real understanding, which leads to misuse down the road.
In an earlier blog, I explored Bipolar I, this time I'll be helping you understand Bipolar II.
First, let's break down the word "bipolar"
"Bi" means, simply, two.
"Polar" comes from the Latin Polus which means the end of an axis.
So, bipolar means two ends of the axis.
For our purposes, that is in relation to the axis of mood; on one end is mania, and the other is depression.
Some of you have probably heard of the term "manic-depressive" and now you know precisely what that means.
To have bipolar disorder is to experience both ends of the mood spectrum.
The difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is a matter of degree.
The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is the difference between hypomania and mania.
I'll shortcut the Latin lesson and get to the point, hypo means under, in this case as less than.
Mania is the state of an expansive mood; high energy, inflated self-esteem, increased focus and goal direction, agitation, and so forth.
So for something to qualify as hypomania then, that means they exhibit these signs but to a lesser degree.
To be even more specific a full manic episode lasts for at least 1 week, and a hypomanic episode lasts for 4 days.
This difference is the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
If we revisit the introduction you'll recall that I mentioned how the exaggerated use of "totally bipolar" can both encapsulate the experience of actual bipolar while also being misused.
This time frame is exactly why.
People have ups and downs, go through difficult periods or highly successful periods, and may feel tremendously good about themselves, but that does not mean they are bipolar.
The severity of a bipolar diagnosis lies in how disruptive that behavior is; 4 days in a row is a very noticeable amount of time, much less a full week.
This is a key piece to know in order to understand Bipolar II.
When trying to understand bipolar it's important to know the role depression plays.
To qualify as Bipolar II Disorder, all the criteria need to be met for a depressive episode, as well as all of the criteria for a hypomanic disorder discussed above.
So what makes for a depressive episode?
First of all, like the hypomanic vs manic discussion, it must meet a minimum amount of time experienced- 2 weeks.
Within that two-week period there is a noticeable increase in sadness, loss of interest in activities, significant weight loss or weight gain, significant loss of sleep or oversleeping, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death, and a decreased ability to concentrate.
This isn't a full list but it is what is most common.
Depression is serious and if you or someone you know is struggling with depression please reach out to a mental health specialist or call 9-8-8 now.
If you hope to understand bipolar you need to understand depression, as well.
If you hope to understand bipolar you need to understand mania, hypomania, and depression.
The information above is a good place to start but there are so many additional informative materials out there such as:
Bipolar disorders are treatable and with so many sources of quality information and support, there is no better time to start learning how to understand bipolar, whether it's you or someone you know.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
To get started, locate a certified marriage and family therapist who is covered by Tricare using their "Find a Doctor" tool.
After you've found a suitable therapist, schedule an initial evaluation. If the therapist determines that marriage counseling is necessary for treating a diagnosed mental health condition, they will submit a request for approval to Tricare.
Common mistakes include neglecting personal growth, failing to communicate openly, not respecting boundaries, and overlooking the importance of individual interests.
If you're in an emotionally unhealthy relationship, the best thing that you can do is seek professional help. A trained therapist can help you to identify the unhealthy patterns in your relationship and work with you to develop healthier ways of interacting with each other.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on what's happening right now. When we're caught up in overthinking, our minds are often stuck ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help bring us back into the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
This is a personal decision that each couple will need to make for themselves. Some couples feel more comfortable sharing this information with their close friends and family, while others prefer to keep it to themselves. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
No, couples counseling can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship and with varying levels of difficulties. Even couples who have a strong foundation can benefit from counseling to enhance communication, deepen emotional connection, or navigate life transitions. Seeking professional guidance early on can prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant problems.
