Baseline
Your own steady, well state — the personal 'normal' you measure changes against.
Your baseline is what you are like when you are well: your normal sleep, your normal pace, how much company you normally want. It is not what is normal for people in general — it is what is normal for you.
It matters because almost every bipolar warning sign is a change rather than an absolute. Sleeping six hours means nothing on its own; sleeping six when you normally need eight means something. Talking fast is not a symptom if you have always talked fast.
Without a baseline written down somewhere, you end up arguing about whether you are fine. Nobody wins that argument. It usually ends with the person who has changed defending themselves. A few weeks of short daily notes is generally enough to see the shape of yours.
See also
If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, you’re not alone and help is available right now. In the US & Canada call or text 988. In the UK & Ireland call 116 123 (Samaritans). Elsewhere, contact your local emergency services — Get Help Now lists lines by country.
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