Understanding
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes can significantly impact energy levels, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly.
Understanding
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes can significantly impact energy levels, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly.
Understanding
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes can significantly impact energy levels, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly.
What does Bipolar Disorder feel like?
Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster with intense highs and devastating lows. During manic episodes, you might feel euphoric, full of energy, and capable of anything, but also irritable, impulsive, and prone to poor decision-making. These periods can involve little need for sleep, racing thoughts, and grandiose ideas. Depressive episodes bring crushing sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
The unpredictability of mood swings can strain relationships, affect work performance, and leave you feeling like you're losing control of your life. Between episodes, you may feel relatively stable, but the fear of the next mood swing can create ongoing anxiety and uncertainty.
Common Symptoms
Extreme mood swings between mania/hypomania and depression
Periods of elevated energy, euphoria, or irritability
TolerancDecreased need for sleep during manic episodese requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Racing thoughts, rapid speech, and distractibility
Impulsive behaviour and poor judgement during highs
Severe depression with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Significant changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels
What does Bipolar Disorder feel like?
Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster with intense highs and devastating lows. During manic episodes, you might feel euphoric, full of energy, and capable of anything, but also irritable, impulsive, and prone to poor decision-making. These periods can involve little need for sleep, racing thoughts, and grandiose ideas. Depressive episodes bring crushing sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
The unpredictability of mood swings can strain relationships, affect work performance, and leave you feeling like you're losing control of your life. Between episodes, you may feel relatively stable, but the fear of the next mood swing can create ongoing anxiety and uncertainty.
Common Symptoms
Extreme mood swings between mania/hypomania and depression
Periods of elevated energy, euphoria, or irritability
TolerancDecreased need for sleep during manic episodese requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Racing thoughts, rapid speech, and distractibility
Impulsive behaviour and poor judgement during highs
Severe depression with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Significant changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels
What does Bipolar Disorder feel like?
Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster with intense highs and devastating lows. During manic episodes, you might feel euphoric, full of energy, and capable of anything, but also irritable, impulsive, and prone to poor decision-making. These periods can involve little need for sleep, racing thoughts, and grandiose ideas. Depressive episodes bring crushing sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
The unpredictability of mood swings can strain relationships, affect work performance, and leave you feeling like you're losing control of your life. Between episodes, you may feel relatively stable, but the fear of the next mood swing can create ongoing anxiety and uncertainty.
Common Symptoms
Extreme mood swings between mania/hypomania and depression
Periods of elevated energy, euphoria, or irritability
TolerancDecreased need for sleep during manic episodese requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Racing thoughts, rapid speech, and distractibility
Impulsive behaviour and poor judgement during highs
Severe depression with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Significant changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels
History of Bipolar Disorder
Understanding bipolar disorder has evolved from ancient observations of mood extremes to modern recognition of it as a treatable neurobiological condition.
Ancient Times
Hippocrates and later Aretaeus of Cappadocia described "circular insanity," recognising the connection between mania and depression as alternating states of the same condition.
1850s
French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret coined the term "folie circulaire" (circular insanity), providing the first systematic description of bipolar disorder as distinct cycles of mania and depression.
1950s
Lithium was discovered as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder by John Cade, revolutionising treatment and establishing bipolar as a biological condition rather than purely psychological.
Present
Modern understanding recognises bipolar disorder as a spectrum with different types (I, II, cyclothymic), advanced neuroimaging reveals brain differences, and comprehensive treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal management.
History of Bipolar Disorder
Understanding bipolar disorder has evolved from ancient observations of mood extremes to modern recognition of it as a treatable neurobiological condition.
Ancient Times
Hippocrates and later Aretaeus of Cappadocia described "circular insanity," recognising the connection between mania and depression as alternating states of the same condition.
1850s
French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret coined the term "folie circulaire" (circular insanity), providing the first systematic description of bipolar disorder as distinct cycles of mania and depression.
1950s
Lithium was discovered as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder by John Cade, revolutionising treatment and establishing bipolar as a biological condition rather than purely psychological.
Present
Modern understanding recognises bipolar disorder as a spectrum with different types (I, II, cyclothymic), advanced neuroimaging reveals brain differences, and comprehensive treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal management.
History of Bipolar Disorder
Understanding bipolar disorder has evolved from ancient observations of mood extremes to modern recognition of it as a treatable neurobiological condition.
Ancient Times
Hippocrates and later Aretaeus of Cappadocia described "circular insanity," recognising the connection between mania and depression as alternating states of the same condition.
1850s
French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret coined the term "folie circulaire" (circular insanity), providing the first systematic description of bipolar disorder as distinct cycles of mania and depression.
1950s
Lithium was discovered as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder by John Cade, revolutionising treatment and establishing bipolar as a biological condition rather than purely psychological.
Present
Modern understanding recognises bipolar disorder as a spectrum with different types (I, II, cyclothymic), advanced neuroimaging reveals brain differences, and comprehensive treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal management.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy plays a crucial role in bipolar disorder management alongside medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy help identify mood triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability.
Therapy teaches mood monitoring skills, helps recognise early warning signs of episodes, and provides tools for managing stress and maintaining regular routines. Psychoeducation helps both patients and families understand the condition, whilst therapy addresses any trauma, relationship issues, or co-occurring mental health conditions that may complicate bipolar disorder.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to recognise early warning signs of mood episodes
Develop effective coping strategies for managing mood swings
Establish healthy routines and sleep patterns
Improve medication adherence and treatment collaboration
Build stronger communication and relationship skills
Address trauma, anxiety, or other co-occurring conditions
Create crisis prevention and safety planning strategies
Develop long-term stability and recovery-focused goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bipolar disorder and comprehensive treatment approaches
Is bipolar disorder the same as having mood swings that everyone experiences?
Can someone with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Is medication always necessary for bipolar disorder?
Can stress trigger bipolar episodes?
How therapy can help
Therapy plays a crucial role in bipolar disorder management alongside medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy help identify mood triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability.
Therapy teaches mood monitoring skills, helps recognise early warning signs of episodes, and provides tools for managing stress and maintaining regular routines. Psychoeducation helps both patients and families understand the condition, whilst therapy addresses any trauma, relationship issues, or co-occurring mental health conditions that may complicate bipolar disorder.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to recognise early warning signs of mood episodes
Develop effective coping strategies for managing mood swings
Establish healthy routines and sleep patterns
Improve medication adherence and treatment collaboration
Build stronger communication and relationship skills
Address trauma, anxiety, or other co-occurring conditions
Create crisis prevention and safety planning strategies
Develop long-term stability and recovery-focused goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bipolar disorder and comprehensive treatment approaches
Is bipolar disorder the same as having mood swings that everyone experiences?
Can someone with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Is medication always necessary for bipolar disorder?
Can stress trigger bipolar episodes?
How therapy can help
Therapy plays a crucial role in bipolar disorder management alongside medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy help identify mood triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability.
Therapy teaches mood monitoring skills, helps recognise early warning signs of episodes, and provides tools for managing stress and maintaining regular routines. Psychoeducation helps both patients and families understand the condition, whilst therapy addresses any trauma, relationship issues, or co-occurring mental health conditions that may complicate bipolar disorder.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn to recognise early warning signs of mood episodes
Develop effective coping strategies for managing mood swings
Establish healthy routines and sleep patterns
Improve medication adherence and treatment collaboration
Build stronger communication and relationship skills
Address trauma, anxiety, or other co-occurring conditions
Create crisis prevention and safety planning strategies
Develop long-term stability and recovery-focused goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bipolar disorder and comprehensive treatment approaches
Is bipolar disorder the same as having mood swings that everyone experiences?
Can someone with bipolar disorder live a normal life?
Is medication always necessary for bipolar disorder?
Can stress trigger bipolar episodes?
