How do I record my mood?
We suggest that opposite the word ‘mood’, you can either use words (e.g. agitated, low, quite well, etc.) or a number to describe how you feel. If, as an individual with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you choose to use a number scale, you will need to use two separate scales to cover depressions and elations. Remember, it can be difficult to distinguish feeling well from an actual high period or an elation, so the mood diary can be very helpful in determining when you are actually in a high or manic period. The number scales to follow are explained below.
Depressions
0 Feel okay, no feelings of depression
-1 Have some symptoms of depression, but able to function normally
-2 Struggling with symptoms of depression, some impact on ability to function
-3 Low, very limited to function
-4 Very low, feeling hopeless, not able to function, the worst-ever depression
Elations
0 Feel okay, no feelings of elation
+1 Some symptoms of elation, able to function, only immediate family notice
mood change
+2 Symptoms of elation, some impairment of functioning, friends and work
colleagues notice mood elevation
+3 Elated, significant impairment in functioning, getting into trouble with
people
+4 Very elated, unable to function, feeling out of control
Getting Started
You can print the mood diary directly from the site if you have a printer attached to your computer (simply click on the document link below, choose ‘Open’ and then ‘Print’). You can then record your mood information on the printed diary.
If you’d prefer to download the document (either to print off pages as you need them or fill in your mood information on-screen), just click on the document link below, select ‘Save’ and then save the file to your computer.
Click here to print or save our Mood Diary template.