Self-test for Bipolar Disease

Symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad or blue, or “down in the dumps” --- No!
Loss of interest in things the person used to enjoy, including sex - No!
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty - No!
Sleeping too little or too much - No!
Changes in weight or appetite - No!
Feeling tired or having little or no energy - No!
Feeling restless - No!
Problems concentrating or making decisions - No!
Thoughts of death or suicide - No!

One person describes depression this way:"I doubt completely my ability to do anything well. It seems as though my mind has slowed down and burned out to the point of being virtually useless. [I am] haunt[ed]…with the total, the desperate hopelessness of it all…Others say, 'It's only temporary, it will pass, you will get over it.' But of course they haven't any idea of how I feel, although they are certain they do. If I can't feel, move, think, or care, then what on earth is the point?"

Symptoms of mania include:

Increased energy level- Sometimes for good purpose! Just stock up on all that coffee for all nighters.
Less need for sleep - I wish, but can't.
Racing thoughts or mind jumps around - I like to daydream.
Easily distracted - No!
More talkative than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking - No!
More self-confident than usual - No! Why would I bag on myself then?
Focused on getting things done, but often completing little - No! I got my work done for my job.
Risky or unusual activities to the extreme, even if it’s likely bad things will happen - No!

One person describes mania this way:"The fast ideas become too fast and there are far too many…overwhelming confusion replaces clarity… Your friends become frightened…everything is now against the grain…you are irritable, angry, frightened, uncontrollable, and trapped."