‘Lows’ or depression usually lasts from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. During this time, you may experience low mood (sadness or flatness) and a loss of interest or pleasure in most things, as well as:

• changes in appetite, such as having no appetite or eating too much and losing or gaining weight
• getting too little sleep or sleep too much
• feeling physically slowed down, tired or having little energy
• feeling troubled or nervous (agitated)
• feeling hopeless and helpless
• having difficulties concentrating
• having thoughts of suicide.

‘Highs’ or hypomania usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you may feel extremely happy, elevated or irritable or more ‘wired’ and ‘hyper’ than normal, as well as:

• feeling more confident
• needing less sleep but still feeling rested
• being more talkative
• having racing thoughts and ideas which move from topic to topic
• having difficulties concentrating
• feeling physically agitated or overly driven to pursue goals
• being too involved in activities that feel good or are pleasurable (such as sex or taking drugs) despite possible negative outcomes.