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
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
In a descriptive and very immersive collection of scenarios Gordon delves into what it’s like living with bipolar, interacting with others and the inspiration that keeps his head above water. 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
Mental health has a huge impact on your family and friends as does sexuality depending on where you live in the world. Read more
April Kelley shares what she has learnt from others over the years and especially since being diagnosed herself with bipolar disorder. Read more
After three hypomanic episodes and one full blown manic incident Annalisa shares her experience of bipolar disorder. Read more