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
Alexandra writes that we need to normalise conversations around bipolar, put simply we need to talk about mental health. Read more
After an initial misdiagnosis, Emma shares why getting a diagnosis of bipolar was so helpful 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
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
Bipolar UK Ambassador, April Kelley, writes about her experiences of mania. Read more
In simple terms, co-morbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person. Professor Guy Goodwin discusses other psychiatric conditions that can affect at least two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder and what may cause these to occur. Read more
In this article Guy Goodwin, trustee of Bipolar UK and Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford talks about the definitions of rapid cycling and mixed episodes. Read more
Depression can convince you that you are alone. However, it is important to remember you are not. Read more
Daniel writes about his experience of a psychotic episode, and his management of bipolar disorder since then. Read more
Anna has lived with her bipolar diagnosis for many years. Today she wants to discuss commonly held myths about the condition. Read more
Mental health has a huge impact on your family and friends as does sexuality depending on where you live in the world. Read more
Popular social media personality Olivia Callaghan gives an insight into bipolar disorder etiquette Read more