People with bipolar disorder experience both manic episodes and depressive episodes.

Manic episodes are where children may feel very happy and are much more energetic and active than usual. A depressive episode is when the person feels very sad or “down” and are much less active than usual.

For example, a child who has bipolar disorder, and is going through a manic episode may:

• Be overly happy, hopeful, and excited often 

• Be irritable and get angry easily.

• Become restless.

• Get distracted much more easily.

• Talk quickly and in a way where it is difficult for the other person to speak, or “get a word in.”

• Have a lot of energy and need very little sleep.

• Show poor judgment and make impulsive or hurtful decisions.

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On the other hand, a child who has bipolar disorder, and is going through a depressive episode may:

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• Feel empty, sad or hopeless.

• Feel guilty, worthless or helpless.

• Cry often.

• Eat too little or too much.

• Lose interest in things they usually enjoy.

• Not think clearly, make decisions, or remember things.

• Sleep poorly.

• Lose or gain weight.

• Have low energy.

• Have extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.

• Become focused on death.

• Have thoughts of death, develop a plan or intentions to hurt themselves or someone else