Last Updated on October 8, 2024
Mayo Clinic defines bipolar disorder as a mental health condition characterized by dramatic mood shifts. These mood shifts involve either emotional highs, called mania, or deep lows, known as depression. During depressive episodes, individuals may feel sad, and hopeless, and lose interest in most activities. In contrast, manic or hypomanic episodes bring feelings of intense excitement, elevated energy, or irritability.
However, bipolar disorder can appear differently in men, often characterized by more frequent manic episodes and the reluctance to seek treatment. Bipolar symptoms in men often differ from the emotional expression that is typically observed in women, as behaviors may be more disruptive and challenging. Bipolar symptoms in men also often include substance abuse alongside mood fluctuations.
Understanding the nuances of bipolar symptoms in men is vital for early intervention, as recognizing these patterns allows for timely support, reducing the risk of untreated episodes leading to severe consequences such as strained relationships, job loss, or substance abuse.
This article will discuss the characteristics of bipolar disorder, explore its prevalence and potential causes, and highlight some of the distinct aspects of bipolar symptoms in men. Finally, the article will also provide advice on how to manage bipolar symptoms in men.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I and bipolar II
Bipolar disorder is divided into two main types: bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I is characterized by severe episodes of both depression and mania, lasting for at least a week or requiring hospitalization. Bipolar II is also characterized by depression but features hypomania (a less severe version of mania). People with bipolar II typically maintain more stable relationships and employment compared to those with bipolar I.
Mania and Depression
As mentioned in the introduction, mania and depression are the main features of bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, which lasts for at least one week, a person has an extremely elevated or irritable mood and increased energy or activity. The individual may also show other symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, risky behavior, less need for sleep, and being easily distracted.
Episodes of depression, on the other hand, feature feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and tiredness. While experiencing a depressive episode, the individual may also try to avoid social contact and experience changes in sleep, changes in appetite, low energy levels, and even thoughts of suicide.
Moreover, a 2017 article emphasizes that depressive episodes in bipolar disorder generally last much longer than manic episodes. The article also explains that depressive phases are more dominant in the disorder, particularly in those with bipolar II disorder, where time spent in depression far exceeds time in mania. Manic episodes tend to be shorter but more frequent in cases of bipolar I disorder.

Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of the adult population of the United States every year, with nearly identical prevalence in men (2.9%) and women (2.8%). However, as will be discussed later on in the article, bipolar symptoms in men often involve more frequent manic episodes, which may be more severe and require hospitalization.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Most research highlights that the development of bipolar disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.
If relatives or family members suffer from the condition, an individual is very likely to have inherited it. These genetic factors often overlap with those of other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. Environmental factors, most crucially, stress in early life, also significantly contribute to the onset of the disorder. However, various irregularities in brain function can also play a vital role, emphasizing the complex interaction of various potential causes.
Although bipolar disorder can develop at any age, the symptoms most often begin to show in the late teenage years. However, according to SUN Houston, bipolar symptoms in men usually appear earlier than in women.
Bipolar Symptoms in Men
Manic Episodes
An article published in 2003 focuses on the differences in how men experience mania and depression in bipolar disorder when compared to women. According to the article, men suffering from bipolar disorder tend to experience more manic episodes than depressive ones, and their manic episodes are often more severe. This severity also results in a higher number of hospitalizations for mania. In addition, men are also more likely to suffer from substance use disorder alongside bipolar disorder.
Moreover, another 2005 article states that men also tend to suffer from behavioral problems like pathological gambling and conduct disorder, a condition characterized by a disregard for others. The article also stresses that during manic episodes, men display hyperactivity more often, as they might be overly excited or unable to hold a conversation.
Depressive Episodes
Although bipolar symptoms in men are more strongly characterized by manic episodes, men can experience depressive episodes as well. Depression bipolar symptoms in men include all of the common depressive episode’s symptoms, such as:
- Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and tiredness
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep
- Thoughts of suicide
- Low energy levels
However, Talkspace also explains that depressive bipolar symptoms in men are more often characterized by feelings of anger and irritability.
Understanding bipolar symptoms in men, particularly the prevalence of more severe manic episodes and the potential presence of substance use disorder, is crucial for effective treatment and support. Recognizing these unique symptoms helps develop tailored interventions suited to the unique characteristics of bipolar symptoms in men.

Managing Bipolar Symptoms in Men
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help for bipolar disorder is essential, especially for men, who may be less likely to pursue therapy. Counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide effective tools for managing bipolar symptoms in men, helping them understand mood fluctuations and develop coping strategies. However, early intervention is crucial so that more drastic outcomes of bipolar symptoms in men can be prevented.
Moreover, regarding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), most studies view it as an effective approach for bipolar disorder when used alongside medication. CBT focuses on changing dysfunctional or harmful beliefs and behaviors and can thus be useful in managing bipolar symptoms in men, particularly manic episodes. Patients who undergo CBT often show better social functioning, fewer hospitalizations, and a longer period between episodes.
Support Networks
Support networks play a vital role in managing bipolar symptoms in men by providing emotional stability and encouraging them to seek professional help. Empathetic support from close family members and friends is crucial, as they can offer understanding and support during manic or depressive episodes. These connections can also reduce the isolation men often feel and encourage therapy and counseling, motivating them to view seeking help as a sign of strength. Such a non-judgmental environment is vital for men to openly share their feelings and the difficulties they go through daily.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- A Healthy Diet
A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can help regulate mood and energy. This can be a vital and often overlooked aspect of managing bipolar symptoms in men. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and whole grains, can support brain health while avoiding excessive sugar and caffeine helps maintain stable energy levels.
- Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep hygiene is crucial for managing bipolar symptoms in men. Creating and sticking to a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment are all essential factors that help stabilize mood throughout the day. On the other hand, a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can often worsen both manic and depressive episodes. Because of this, rest is a vital part of managing bipolar symptoms in men.
- Exercise
Regular physical activity releases endorphins, hormones that lower stress, improve mood, and improve well-being, thus reducing stress and improving mood stability. For men with bipolar disorder, incorporating strength training, cardio, or yoga can also improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and provide a structured routine that supports long-term symptom management.

Coping Strategies
- Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a helpful tool for managing bipolar symptoms in men. Mindfulness involves techniques like meditation or deep breathing, assisting men in staying grounded and reducing the intensity of mood swings. These techniques also provide a sense of calm, a crucial aspect of managing manic or depressive episodes
- Stress Management
Stress management involves techniques such as journaling, relaxation exercises, or creative hobbies. Identifying stress and incorporating any of these healthy stress outlets can reduce mood swings and provide a sense of stability.
- Avoiding Substance Abuse
Avoiding alcohol and drugs is vital for managing bipolar symptoms in men. Substance abuse can worsen mood swings, negatively influence ongoing treatment, and increase the risk of impulsive behavior. Because of this, it is best to avoid substance consumption entirely.
Conclusion
Managing the distinct aspects of bipolar disorder in men requires a comprehensive approach, including professional help, supportive networks, and healthy lifestyle choices. Recognizing the distinct nature of bipolar symptoms in men, such as more severe manic episodes and potential co-occurring substance use, is essential for early intervention and effective treatment.
Although bipolar disorder can pose various challenges, with the right approach, managing it and leading a stable life is possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help: you deserve to be in control of your mental health.