Early Warning Signs of a Bipolar Relapse or Oncoming Episode

Bipolar relapse explained plus signs and symptoms of a bipolar relapse for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder and their families and friends.

A relapse is said to occur when the symptoms of bipolar disorder worsen or when previous bipolar symptoms return. Many people have experienced one or more relapses of their illness. After a relapse, you may still experience persistent symptoms-which is different from worsening symptoms.

Before a relapse happens, people often experience changes in their symptoms or in some aspect of their behavior, thoughts or feelings. These changes are called warning signs and they are indications that a bipolar relapse may be imminent.

Signs of a Bipolar Episode

• Feeling more tense or nervous**
• Feeling that people are talking about me**
• Having more trouble sleeping**
• Change in level of activity**
• Having more trouble concentrating**
• Losing interest in things I usually like doing
• Seeing friends less
• Enjoying things less
• Feeling more depressed (or suddenly grandiose)
• Eating less
• Having more religious ideas
• Preoccupied with one or two ideas
• Having trouble making sense when talking
• Feeling like I was forgetting things more
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling like I was going crazy
• Hearing voices or seeing things
• Feeling that someone else was controlling me
• Feeling badly for no apparent reason
• Stopped caring how I looked
• Having more nightmares or bad dreams
• Feeling more angry over little things
• Thinking about hurting myself
• Feeling more aggressive or pushy
• Feeling too excited or overactive
• Having trouble relating to family
• Having frequent aches and pains
• Drinking more alcohol
• Using more drugs (uppers, downers, LSD, marijuana)
• Thinking about hurting someone else

** Universal Warning Signs

These signs are different for everyone. It is important to work out which signs may be relevant to you and have a plan of what to do should any of these signs of a bipolar relapse appear.

Sources:

• McFarlane, W., Terkelson, K., "New Approaches to Families Living with Schizophrenia." Institute, 62nd Annual Ortho-Psychiatric Meeting, N.Y., 1985.
• Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Warning Signs of A Possible Relapse

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