Is Your Mood Becoming Elevated?

Have you noticed any of the following recently?

• “I only need a few hours of sleep but still feel energetic.”
• “I’ve been feeling more irritable than usual.”
• “My family says I’ve become short-tempered.”
• “I’ve been spending more money than I normally would.”

If so, it may be worth paying closer attention to your mood.

For many people living with Bipolar Disorder, summer can be a season when mood becomes elevated. Longer daylight hours, increased social activities, and changes in the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) may contribute to the development of mania or hypomania in some individuals.

It is important to remember that not everyone with bipolar disorder experiences seasonal mood changes, and the effects of the seasons vary from person to person. However, research suggests that seasonal changes can influence mood episodes in a significant proportion of patients.

Feeling “Great” Is Not Always the Same as Being Well

During hypomania, many people feel that they are functioning better than ever.

You may think:

• “I’ve never been more productive.”
• “I can handle anything.”
• “Everything is finally going well.”

However, these feelings may actually represent the early stages of a hypomanic or manic episode, making them difficult to recognize.

Early Signs to Watch For

Consider whether you have experienced any of the following:

• Sleeping much less without feeling tired
• Talking more or speaking faster than usual
• Racing thoughts or constantly having new ideas
• Increased irritability or becoming easily angered
• Feeling unusually confident or invincible
• Impulsive shopping or excessive spending
• Increased credit card use
• Making large investments or financial decisions impulsively
• Filling your schedule with too many commitments
• Drinking alcohol more frequently than usual

Many people associate mania with happiness or euphoria. In reality, mania often presents as irritability, anger, impatience, or agitation rather than feeling happy.

If you find yourself becoming upset over minor issues or others comment that you seem unusually irritable, these may also be warning signs.

Overspending Is One of the Most Common Signs of Mania

When mood becomes elevated, judgment may become impaired.

You may notice yourself:

• Buying expensive items impulsively
• Purchasing luxury goods you do not need
• Shopping online excessively
• Accumulating significant credit card debt
• Making risky investments or financial commitments

At the time, these decisions may feel completely reasonable. However, once your mood stabilizes, many people look back and regret these purchases or decisions.

Tips for Staying Well During the Summer

Maintaining a regular daily routine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of mood episodes.

We recommend:

• Going to bed and waking up at consistent times
• Protecting your sleep and avoiding sleep deprivation
• Taking your prescribed medications as directed
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Waiting at least one day before making expensive purchases
• Asking family members or trusted friends to let you know if they notice changes in your mood or behavior

Recognizing subtle mood changes early can often help prevent a more severe manic episode.

Please Don’t Wait Until Symptoms Become Severe

With bipolar disorder, it is often much easier to manage symptoms when changes are recognized early.

Summer is an active and enjoyable season, but for some people it can also increase the risk of mood elevation, which may later be followed by depression.

If you notice changes in your mood—or if family or friends mention that you seem unusually “high,” energetic, or irritable—please don’t ignore these signs.

If you have concerns about your mood, we encourage you to discuss them with your doctor as early as possible. Early intervention can help maintain long-term stability and improve quality of life.

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References

1. Geoffroy PA, Bellivier F, Scott J, Etain B. Seasonality and bipolar disorder: A systematic review, from admission rates to seasonality of symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2014;168:210-223. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.07.002.
2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.
3. Yatham LN, Kennedy SH, Parikh SV, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorders. 2018;20(2):97-170.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. If you are experiencing changes in your mood or behavior, please consult your treating physician.