Fatigue and Headaches: Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

Feeling fatigued and experiencing headaches, suspecting that I might have bipolar disorder?

Since March 20, I have been feeling easily fatigued, no matter how much I sleep, I still feel tired.
Normally, I feel refreshed after about 6 hours of sleep, but recently I often wake up after about 3 hours and then lie back down, only to wake up again and start working.
While working, I find myself yawning frequently, and after finishing a task, I go to eat and drink coffee.
Normally, coffee keeps me awake, but recently, shortly after drinking it, I feel the need to sleep, and I end up sleeping until the evening, still feeling exhausted.

In the past, I would take a nap for over an hour in the afternoon and would usually fall asleep around 2 to 4 AM, but now I go to bed around 11:30 PM.
I experienced headaches and saw a doctor; after taking medication, the pain went away the next day.
I felt a tight sensation, but this usually only happens when I'm very tired, and this time, sleeping did not improve it.
My diet has been normal recently, and I haven't been exercising, but I lost 1 kg since March 20.
I feel that my emotions have been unstable; sometimes I feel very high-spirited and play with my cat, while other times I feel like crying.
I have been venting my emotions online and keeping myself away from sharp objects for fear of hurting myself.

I recall an incident in elementary school when I lost my balance while playing with classmates and hit the back of my head hard against a wall, but I was fine and didn't see a doctor.
In middle school, I slipped at home and hit the right side of my head, but I also didn't seek medical attention.
Could these incidents be related? Last year, I was under a lot of stress and saw a psychiatrist; I was feeling quite depressed at that time.
After the consultation, the doctor said it wasn't serious and didn't prescribe any medication, so I just paid and left.

Since 2019, I have experienced episodes of sudden cold sweats, rapid heartbeat, and stomach pain while taking the bus home from the dentist, which I endured until I got home.
This happened several times but occurred less frequently afterward.
Recently, in October 2021, I had an episode at a bus stop after hanging out with friends, and I also endured it until I got home, feeling very nauseous at that time.

Wen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/24

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry

For headaches, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.
If organic brain issues are ruled out as the cause of the headache, then assistance from a psychiatrist may be sought.
Regarding the manic aspect of bipolar disorder, the description provided is insufficient for a diagnosis.
It would be advisable to return to the original physician to evaluate changes in mood and determine whether there are symptoms of mania, hypomania, anxiety, panic, or other conditions for appropriate management.

Reply Date: 2022/03/24

More Info

Based on your detailed description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying issues, including potential mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, as well as physical health concerns like tension headaches or other types of headaches.
Firstly, the fatigue you are experiencing is significant. Feeling excessively tired despite getting what should be adequate sleep (6 hours) can be a sign of various conditions, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, or even bipolar disorder. In bipolar disorder, individuals may experience periods of high energy (mania or hypomania) followed by episodes of depression, which could explain the fluctuations in your mood and energy levels. The fact that you mentioned feeling "high" at times and then experiencing sadness is particularly relevant here.
Your headaches, described as a "tightening" sensation, could be tension-type headaches, which are often associated with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. These headaches can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality, which seems to be a concern for you given your recent sleep patterns. The fact that you have a history of head trauma (from childhood incidents) could also be relevant, as past injuries can sometimes lead to chronic headaches or other neurological symptoms.
Moreover, the emotional symptoms you mentioned, such as feeling excessively happy, having violent thoughts, and experiencing high sexual desire, could indicate manic or hypomanic episodes, which are characteristic of bipolar disorder. The sudden changes in mood, along with your physical symptoms, warrant a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional.
It's also important to consider the role of lifestyle factors in your symptoms. You mentioned not exercising regularly and experiencing weight loss, which can both contribute to feelings of fatigue and exacerbate mood disorders. Regular physical activity is known to improve mood and energy levels, and it may be beneficial to incorporate some form of exercise into your routine.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend that you seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider, ideally a psychiatrist or a neurologist. They can conduct a thorough assessment, including a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly some diagnostic tests (like blood tests or imaging studies) to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
When you visit the doctor, it would be helpful to clearly describe all your symptoms, including the frequency and duration of your headaches, your sleep patterns, any mood changes, and your history of head injuries. This information will assist the healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
In summary, your symptoms could be related to a combination of physical and mental health issues, including tension headaches, potential bipolar disorder, and the impact of lifestyle factors. Seeking professional help is crucial to address these concerns effectively.

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