Depression

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 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?

Hypomania

At first when I'm high, it's tremendous...ideas are fast...like shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear...all shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly there...uninteresting people, things, become intensely interesting. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being, omnipotence, euphoria...you can do anything...but somewhere this changes.

Mania

The fast ideas become too fast and there are far too many...overwhelming confusion replaces clarity...you stop keeping up with it - memory goes. Infectious humour ceases to amuse. Your friends become frightened...everything now is against the grain...you are irritable, angry, frightened, uncontrollable, and trapped.

By recognising these various mood states early and obtaining effective treatment, the harmful consequences of Bipolar Disorder, which include destruction of personal relationships, loss of employment, and suicide can be avoided.