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Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from 1 extreme to another. It used to be known as manic depression.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder have episodes of:

  • depression – feeling very low and lethargic
  • mania – feeling very high and overactive

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on which mood you're experiencing.

Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer).

Depression

You may initially be diagnosed with clinical depression before you have a manic episode (sometimes years later), after which you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

During an episode of depression, you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.

If you're feeling suicidal, read about where to get urgent help for mental health.

If you're feeling very depressed, contact a GP, your care co-ordinator or speak to a local mental health crisis team as soon as possible.

Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline

You could also call NHS 111 if you're not sure what to do or if you cannot speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline.

If you want to talk to someone confidentially, call the Samaritans free on 116 123. You can talk to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Or visit the Samaritans website or email jo@samaritans.org.

Mania

During a manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may:

  • feel very happy
  • have lots of energy, ambitious plans and ideas
  • spend large amounts of money on things you cannot afford and would not normally want

It's also common to:

  • not feel like eating or sleeping
  • talk quickly
  • become annoyed easily

You may feel very creative and view the manic phase of bipolar as a positive experience.

But you may also experience symptoms of psychosis, where you see or hear things that are not there or become convinced of things that are not true.

Living with bipolar disorder

The high and low phases of bipolar disorder are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life.

But there are several options for treating bipolar disorder that can make a difference.

They aim to control the effects of an episode and help someone with bipolar disorder live life as normally as possible.

The following treatment options are available:

  • medicine to prevent episodes of mania and depression – these are known as mood stabilisers, and you take them every day on a long-term basis
  • medicine to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they happen
  • learning to recognise the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania
  • psychological treatment – such as talking therapy, which can help you deal with depression, and provides advice about how to improve your relationships
  • lifestyle advice – such as doing regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement, as well as advice on improving your diet and getting more sleep

It's thought using a combination of different treatment methods is the best way to control bipolar disorder.

Help and advice for people with a long-term condition or their carers is also available from charities, support groups and associations.

This includes self-help and learning to deal with the practical aspects of a long-term condition.

Find out more about living with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder and pregnancy

Bipolar disorder, like all other mental health problems, can get worse during pregnancy. But specialist help is available if you need it.

Find out more about bipolar disorder in pregnancy

What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although it's believed a number of things can trigger an episode.

These include:

  • extreme stress
  • overwhelming problems
  • life-changing events
  • genetic and chemical factors

Who's affected

Bipolar disorder is fairly common, and 1 in every 100 people will be diagnosed with it at some point in their life.

Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 and rarely develops after 40.

Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder.

The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely. For example, some people only have a couple of bipolar episodes in their lifetime and are stable in between, while others have many episodes.

Bipolar disorder and driving

If you have bipolar disorder, it may affect your driving. You must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Social care and support guide

If you:

  • need help with day-to-day living because of bipolar disorder
  • care for someone regularly because they have bipolar disorder (including family members)

Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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9,943 public posts

Bipolar disorder

Hi there I have bipolar disorder and have just had a bad manic episode. I am currently recovering and have slight depression, as I feel a bit low
Hi there I have bipolar disorder and have just had a bad manic episode. I am currently recovering and have slight depression, as I feel a bit low
russellcole71
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis

Bipolar 1 diagnosis and medication options?

Also, any advice for living successfully with Bipolar Disorder? Feeling bleak...
Also, any advice for living successfully with Bipolar Disorder? Feeling bleak...
AnonyLaddy
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Dianosis

Has anyone else here been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with adhd and generalized anxiety. I don't respond well to normal doses of medication. And I'm so worried about to bipolar part. There are bad stigmas associated with it. And also. Anger. I never get angry. But could it turn into anger,?
Has anyone else here been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with adhd and generalized anxiety. I don't respond well to normal doses of medication. And I'm so worried about to bipolar part. There are bad stigmas associated with it. And also. Anger. I never get angry. But could it turn into anger,?
BrianTR
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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MTHFR and anxiety, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder Diet, stressors, methylation nutrients, adaptogens and the microbiome Immuno-physiological approach to COVID-19 from prevention through recovery
MTHFR and anxiety, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder Diet, stressors, methylation nutrients, adaptogens and the microbiome Immuno-physiological approach to COVID-19 from prevention through recovery
LAJ12345
in Cure Parkinson's

Sleep why can’t I sleep

I spend all day walking and cleaning I just can’t shut down, I’ve looked online and a lot of what I’ve seen is saying about bipolar disorder? Can anyone relate or help in anyway please? Many thanks 🙏
I spend all day walking and cleaning I just can’t shut down, I’ve looked online and a lot of what I’ve seen is saying about bipolar disorder? Can anyone relate or help in anyway please? Many thanks 🙏
Jparkes
in Anxiety and Depression Support

realizing the problem

hey guys , i'm new here and to be honest i don't really know what to talk about i'm 20 , i suffer from anxiety and depression and possibly bipolar disorder.
hey guys , i'm new here and to be honest i don't really know what to talk about i'm 20 , i suffer from anxiety and depression and possibly bipolar disorder.
Dxnnie-dark
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Help an over thinker.

I'm in the process of finding out my disorder. My psych thinks it's Manic bipolar disorder which is a little scary for me. I'm in a long distance relationship with someone as well. COVID really is the only thing keeping us apart and it makes me really down that I can't just up and go be with them.
I'm in the process of finding out my disorder. My psych thinks it's Manic bipolar disorder which is a little scary for me. I'm in a long distance relationship with someone as well. COVID really is the only thing keeping us apart and it makes me really down that I can't just up and go be with them.
Macabre
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Anxious 6 Year Old

We do have family history of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My husband is anti-therapy and anti-medication at this point in time. He just thinks it’s a phase and she will outgrow it. As a fellow anxiety princess, I know it’s not a phase and will plague her through her entire life.
We do have family history of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My husband is anti-therapy and anti-medication at this point in time. He just thinks it’s a phase and she will outgrow it. As a fellow anxiety princess, I know it’s not a phase and will plague her through her entire life.
Bmcfall
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Me

I also have bipolar disorder, which is nicely controlled with medication. Had 2 bouts of mania, the first in my early 40's. The biggest thing I consistently battle is anxiety.
I also have bipolar disorder, which is nicely controlled with medication. Had 2 bouts of mania, the first in my early 40's. The biggest thing I consistently battle is anxiety.
lovemydoggy
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Switching to depakote?

I have bipolar disorder type 2, and I don't see depression as being something it's listed to treat, just mania. Do you take anything else? How does it make you feel?
I have bipolar disorder type 2, and I don't see depression as being something it's listed to treat, just mania. Do you take anything else? How does it make you feel?
c-mac
in Mental Health Support

Bipolar Medication

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have been prescribed depakote, Symbyax and Valium. Anyone have success with Symbyax?
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have been prescribed depakote, Symbyax and Valium. Anyone have success with Symbyax?
Hidden
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Bipolar Disorder

I have Bipolar Disorder. I've really been struggling recently, and it will be awhile before I can get in with a therapist. My mood has been shifting a lot, and I feel very alone. I joined this group to feel less alone. I hope everyone is staying safe. x
I have Bipolar Disorder. I've really been struggling recently, and it will be awhile before I can get in with a therapist. My mood has been shifting a lot, and I feel very alone. I joined this group to feel less alone. I hope everyone is staying safe. x
Hidden
in Anxiety and Depression Support

youth and apathy

On my father's side bipolar disorder and I'm pretty sure my mother's side has quite a battle with borderline personality disorder. I'm the first person in my family to be born in the United States and I was the first in my family to ever go to college.
On my father's side bipolar disorder and I'm pretty sure my mother's side has quite a battle with borderline personality disorder. I'm the first person in my family to be born in the United States and I was the first in my family to ever go to college.
alvinflang
in Mental Health Support

How to deal with negative family members?

I've just let my close family know that my partner and I are about to start IVF and that I've stopped taking my mood stabiliser (but am staying on my antipsychotic), and Ive had some really negative comments from my mum and brother about whether it's sensible to even have a baby given my bipolar disorder
I've just let my close family know that my partner and I are about to start IVF and that I've stopped taking my mood stabiliser (but am staying on my antipsychotic), and Ive had some really negative comments from my mum and brother about whether it's sensible to even have a baby given my bipolar disorder
Kokoraki
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis

This is why I never had children, and I sadly guess I never will.

I really want to be some kind of writer and I'm considering trying to start a blog or a YouTube channel, but I want to be more universal than talking about bipolar disorder.
I really want to be some kind of writer and I'm considering trying to start a blog or a YouTube channel, but I want to be more universal than talking about bipolar disorder.
Googoodollsfan
in Anxiety and Depression Support

I feel like my parents really make me sick!

My mom has bipolar disorder herself and my dad is very narcisstic and cruel. But everyone will believe what my parents say over what I have to say. All that ever happens to me is I get poked with needles for blood tests for lithium levels. People just abuse me constantly.
My mom has bipolar disorder herself and my dad is very narcisstic and cruel. But everyone will believe what my parents say over what I have to say. All that ever happens to me is I get poked with needles for blood tests for lithium levels. People just abuse me constantly.
Googoodollsfan
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Relationship Anxiety

Hi i go by D, im 26 and deal with depression, anxiety, & recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Its something ive struggled with my whole life but defintitly has gotten worse as I get older and its effecting my relationship.
Hi i go by D, im 26 and deal with depression, anxiety, & recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Its something ive struggled with my whole life but defintitly has gotten worse as I get older and its effecting my relationship.
2bluee
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Looking for someone to talk to

Bipolar disorder, so bad my heart hurts. I don't have any friends here, but that's ok. I'm worried my husband is cheating, I've started a new job that requires a lot of learning new skills. I have a 12 year old daughter who is amazing. I am just lonely and incredibly sad.
Bipolar disorder, so bad my heart hurts. I don't have any friends here, but that's ok. I'm worried my husband is cheating, I've started a new job that requires a lot of learning new skills. I have a 12 year old daughter who is amazing. I am just lonely and incredibly sad.
Teatime08
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Planning a pregnancy with bipolar disorder

Hi all, My partner and I have decided to start trying for a baby towards the end of this year (as I need to come off of sodium valproate before trying). I've had a diagnosis of bipolar 1 since I was seventeen, and am now twenty-five. I've had some very general discussions with my psychiatrist about pregnancy
Hi all, My partner and I have decided to start trying for a baby towards the end of this year (as I need to come off of sodium valproate before trying). I've had a diagnosis of bipolar 1 since I was seventeen, and am now twenty-five. I've had some very general discussions with my psychiatrist about pregnancy
Kokoraki
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis

please give an answer

can somebody with bipolar disorder be bestfriends with someone with ADHD? would it be hard or can it actually be a good thing and have any benefits to it?
can somebody with bipolar disorder be bestfriends with someone with ADHD? would it be hard or can it actually be a good thing and have any benefits to it?
sundayy
in CHADD's Adult ADHD Support
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