Bipolar disorder effects about 2.5% of the population. While we are aware of common symptoms and treatment options, research is still being done on how bipolar is different for men compared to women.
As a general rule, women with bipolar (bipolar 2) experience PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and Migraines whereas men may not. Feelings of Worthlessness, Detachment and overall Emotional Pain are more common in women. And unusual Giddiness, Confidence, and Euphoria have been seen in women and men.
Contrary to popular belief, bipolar 2 is the less extreme form compared to bipolar 1 due to the lack of manic episodes that are typically experienced. However, the depression phase has been known to last longer especially for women experiencing bipolar 2. Also, women usually cycle through the episodes (phases) faster than men which can cause more intense experiences
Below, we’ll go through these 10 commonly seen bipolar 2 symptoms in women. We’ll also discuss treatment options and what a mixed episode feels like. You’ll also find some information on what a women experiencing bipolar might act like and more.
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
As mentioned above, post-traumatic stress disorder tends to be a symptom women with bipolar experience. PTSD can be triggered by certain events, sounds, feelings and thoughts.
When a woman is experiencing irregular mood swings due to bipolar 2, her unstable emotional state will likely trigger PTSD. This is usually the case when some form of trauma has been experienced in the past.
Many women struggle with low self-esteem, abuse trauma or other factors that effect their emotional well-being. Any/all of these can be a significant trigger when an episode of bipolar 2 is occurring.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety itself is not unique to women. However, Bipolar 2 symptoms in women where anxiety is experienced have been known to be more intense than those of men. This could be due to pre-existing factors such as trauma that women tend to experience more – similar to the factors discussed above.
Also, while not all women are the same, women tend to hold more worries than men so this could be a cause as well. Feelings of guilt for having bipolar are somewhat common as well. While this is obviously not someone’s fault, overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame may result in anxiety.
Women often feel guilty for having any issue that might slow them down from being their best selves for themselves and their families. Having bipolar and feeling guilty for any level of disruption it might bring their lives is something that too many struggle with.
When bipolar 2 is being experienced during the depressive phase (which we know is more predominant with bipolar 2 than the manic phase is) anxiety is commonly seen. The level of anxiety tends to differ from case to case.
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3. Depression
Research has shown that women are much more likely than men to experience depression as a symptom of bipolar. Self-doubt, body shaming, unhealthy relationships with food and other personal issues can all cause depression to erupt when bipolar 2 is being experienced.
Even though bipolar 2 is much more mild and less refined than bipolar 1, the depressive phase is still experienced. Actually, bipolar 2 often sees much more depressive experiences than “normal” bipolar as the manic phase is not as intense as compared to the depression phase if it is experienced at all.
Hypomania is usually what is seen as one of the two “phases” that those with bipolar 2 have to manage. Hypomania is more of a “high” phase than a manic phase.
It does not last as long as those who experience mania with their bipolar disorder. The depressive phase with bipolar 2 is typically longer and/or more intense than what is seen in bipolar 1.
4. Feeling too Energized to Sleep
Experiencing extreme boosts in energy is typical for bipolar 2 symptoms on women. This tends to lead migraines and mood swings due to the lack of sleep that is typically experienced with all the excess energy.
Lack of sleep is commonly seen with those struggling with any form of bipolar. This symptom is not limited to bipolar 1 or 2. Nor is it restricted to the manic or depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, this symptom results in the worsening of other symptoms such as anxiety, depression and irritation.
It’s important to always try to get enough quality sleep. If you have bipolar and are experiencing sleep deprivation, talk to your doctor to see what options are available to you.
5. Unusually Giddy
Being extremely giddy is often seen with women experiencing bipolar 2 symptoms. Feelings of lightheadedness, lack of focus and in some cases tingling limbs have been seen with those who have reported experiencing giddiness.
This may be contributed to lack of sleep as well as heart rate, food consumptions and overall energy levels. There are usually no alarming consequences seen with this symptom as long as the individual is otherwise healthy.
If someone with bipolar who experienced giddiness also has a heart condition, they may want to talk to their doctor about whether or not this could be a dangerous situation for them and what their treatment options are.
6. Boost in Confidence
When someone is experiencing a “high” in their mood swings they will feel like they are “on top of the world”.
This can cause an extreme boost in confidence. They may be more outgoing than usual, try new things and be willing to out themselves out there like never before. While this can lead to amazing new opportunities, it also invites dangerous risk when not pursued properly.
Someone with bipolar who experiences confidence boosts might say things they might regret, pick a fight with someone in a social setting, gamble more or engage in other risky/questionable behavior when they otherwise would not.
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7. Heightened Sense of Ability/Euphoria
You know that amazing feeling you get from time to time? Maybe you just got a raise, it’s Friday or you just went on the best date hat you’ve had in years? The feelings of euphoria and bliss are intense and for a few moments everything in your life seems like its exactly how you want it to be.
Feelings of euphoria along with a sense of empowerment have often been experienced with bipolar 1 and 2. It can be an amazing part of the experience, however, like any mood swing, it is usually followed by some form of “low” mood.
The sequence of mood swings, type involved and severity differ by individual and the overall experience is often referred to as exhausting and inconvenient by the individual experiencing it.
8. Feeling Worthless
Guilt, shame and feelings if worthlessness are some of the lowest feelings that we feel in the human experience. This can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which tend to be false, self-inflicted negative narratives.
If you feel like you’re not worth someone’s time or love you might be struggling with some extreme self-esteem issues. Often this comes from previous trauma or abuse.
Also, if you feel as though everything is your fault or obligated to “fix” a situation that is not your responsibility (while still not thinking very highly of yourself) you may be dealing with this issue.
Working with a professional therapist can help you get to the bottom of this type of life changing cycle. Harmful thoughts and feelings like this can be eliminated when proper treatment id being sought.
9. Detached from Reality
Emotional detachment is a common symptom of bipolar as well. When someone is emotionally detached they may interpret reality incorrectly and can be in an extremely fragile state. They might seem withdrawn and might not show interest in things they usually would.
If you’re in a relationship with someone who has a bipolar disorder, they might seem “cold” or distant during this time. People, specifically women have been known to experience emotional detachment during their bipolar 2 experiences.
10. Emotional Pain
Emotional pain can impact anyone at nearly any time. Women with bipolar (bipolar 2 in this case) have been known to experience intense emotional pain at times. This is due to the depressive nature of bipolar 2 and also because women tend to feel things deeper and more frequently than men do.
Our emotions are (literally) part of our physical selves by way of our nervous system. This is why “being emotional” is such an intense experience for us. Throw experiencing an emotional mood swing due to bipolar in the mix and it’s a lot to be able to handle.
Unfortunately, emotional pain is a very common symptom of bipolar. Working with a professional therapist is a great way to be proactive about confronting the pain and easing the intensity of emotional pain during mood swings.
Is there a cure for bipolar 2?
Absolutely. Bipolar 2 is considered the lesser when it comes to intensity between bipolar 1 and 2. As previously mentioned, bipolar 2 does not consist of rigid manic and depressive phases. Instead, hypomania (pretty much extreme bliss/euphoria) and then a more intense depressive phase is what’s typically seen.
The cure for bipolar 2 can consist of several different factors depending on the individual. Professional counseling and antipsychotic and/or antidepressant medications are usually recommended/prescribed.
Also, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to give your body the best chance of a full recovery. Talk to your doctor to discover what options might be right for your unique situation.
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What does a bipolar 2 mixed episode feel like?
A mixed episode is when both phases of bipolar are being experienced at once. For “regular” bipolar, this is known as dysphoric mania – the occurrence of mania and depression experienced at the same time.
For bipolar 2 however, no mania is usually involved. A bipolar mixed episode is when the hypomania and depressive phases are experienced at the same time.
This is when both the high and the low symptoms are experienced at the same time. As you can imagine, this can be extremely confusing and exhausting to deal with.
Does Bipolar 2 get worse with age?
As briefly mentioned in our article on “Can Bipolar 1 Turn into Bipolar 2?“, the manic phase of bipolar does not tend to worsen with age.
However the depression stage can intensify over time of not properly treated. This is typically seen with any situation where depression is present, not just with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2.
So as a whole, not all components of bipolar 2 will worsen with age. The depressive phase always has the potential wot become more intense over time if not properly treated.
What does a bipolar woman act like?
To sum up the bipolar 2 symptoms in women and what this experience typically looks like is to know that it can be a distressing, confusing and exhausting experience.
The highs are extremely blissful and she might feel like she’s ready to take on the world. The lows are some of the most emotionally painful experiences she will ever know. While the variation of emotions and experiences might differ woman to woman during bipolar 2 episodes, all should be taken seriously.
The effort that is put toward a healthy lifestyle, therapy and potential medication will significantly change the bipolar disorder experience. Seeking treatment before symptoms worsen over time can help ease the intensity while recover is being sought.
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