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Understanding Bipolar Disorder

A guide to understanding extreme mood changes.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in your mood. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of high moods (known as mania or hypomania) and low moods (depression).

These episodes can last for several days or weeks at a time. It is not the same as the normal ups and downs of everyday life; the mood swings are more severe and can significantly impact day-to-day living. With treatment, people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead full lives.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms are categorised into manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes.

High Moods (Mania or Hypomania)

  • Feeling very happy, elated, or overjoyed.
  • Having lots of energy and ambitious plans.
  • Talking very quickly and jumping between ideas.
  • Needing very little sleep.
  • Behaving impulsively, such as spending large sums of money.

Low Moods (Depression)

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable.
  • Lacking energy and feeling very tired.
  • Losing interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy.
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Things You Can Do to Help

Self-management strategies can work alongside professional treatment.

Do:

  • Try to have a regular routine and sleep schedule.
  • Eat a balanced diet and engage in regular physical exercise.
  • Learn to recognise your mood triggers and warning signs of an episode.
  • Talk to your GP or mental health team about your treatment plan.

Try to Avoid:

  • High-stress situations, where possible.
  • Using recreational drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • Disrupting your sleep cycle with things like night shifts or long-haul flights, if possible.

The Link to Trauma

While there is a genetic component to bipolar disorder, stressful or traumatic life experiences, including domestic violence and childhood abuse, can act as triggers for the condition. Understanding this link is an important part of a holistic approach to healing.