Bipolar disorder is identified by two mood states: depression and mania. There is also hypomania, a milder form of mania and cyclothymia, a condition related to bipolar with milder symptoms.
Bipolar is classified by some psychiatrists as bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 with different balances of mood states. So people's experience of bipolar can differ with some alternating between moods over long intervals whilst others may experience mood swings in quick succession - this is called rapid cycling.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions relating to this topic and read some personal stories below
In this blog Daniel Evans explains that one of the main frustrations of having an illness such as bipolar 1 is that, when particularly severe, a critical symptom is that you don’t feel like you have it. Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week Simon examines the link between anxiety and bipolar Read more
Alexandra writes that we need to normalise conversations around bipolar, put simply we need to talk about mental health. Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week Simon talks about psychosis Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week Simon explains the different types of bipolar Read more
After an initial misdiagnosis Emma recounts the journey that led to doctors finally arriving at the final destination of living with bipolar. Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week April talks about rapid cycling Read more
Lizzie describes in candid detail the emotions, thoughts, and issues she dealt with after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the signs that led up to her seeking help. Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week April considers "I think I might have bipolar" Read more
Lynn explores what can take a person from living a happy, fulfilled life, to the bottom dropping out of their world into a confusing world of psychosis. Read more
Bipolar UK supporter Rose shares her experience of managing bipolar and anxiety Read more
Recently at Bipolar UK we held a support group for young people, and it got Louise thinking about her own diagnosis of bipolar 1 at 17. Read more
Not everyone would like to think of bipolar as a superpower...I DO! Read more
Ash reflects on what she has learned so far managing his bipolar disorder. Read more
On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week April gets to know a common friend of bipolar that is anxiety Read more
Amanda Saunders, co-author of ‘Bipolar Disorder: The Ultimate Guide’ discusses her experience of being diagnosed with cyclothymia and how she has managed the condition. Read more