@bigboss ; It can be really difficult. My son was diagnosed with ADHD and post traumatic stress when he was in school so his treatment was all wrong.
The short answer is, that they can go from total depression and even suicide to total euphoria. The depression phase is easy to see. The manic phase is harder, because you think, “they’re happy.” Some things that happen during the manic phase might be, excessive spending, creativity bursts, sleeplessness, several projects started and none finished, and grand plans. My son’s mania usually crescendoed in a rage that was really scary. The best way to describe it is that it looked like a demon possession. Luckily, we have not seen that side for nearly 5 years now.
This is from the NAMI.org
What are the symptoms of mania?
Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of mania may include:
•either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
•increased physical and mental activity and energy
•racing thoughts and flight of ideas
•increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
•ambitious, often grandiose plans
•risk taking
•impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion, and alcohol abuse
•decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:
•loss of energy
•prolonged sadness
•decreased activity and energy
•restlessness and irritability
•inability to concentrate or make decisions
•increased feelings of worry and anxiety
•less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
•feelings of guilt and hopelessness
•thoughts of suicide
•change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
•change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
You can find more info HERE