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  1. How we help
  2. Blogs
  3. What is bipolar?

What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Bipolar and rapid cycling: facebook live

Bipolar and rapid cycling: facebook live

On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week April talks about rapid cycling Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 4th December, 2020

Updated: 7th January, 2021

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
  • Video library
Winning the War with Bipolar

Winning the War with Bipolar

Sam has a diagnosis of bipolar I. Here he shares his experience of bipolar disorder the effect it has on his life, functionality and the lessons he learned that will help others too. Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 26th November, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder 2

Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder 2

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

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 25th November, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • Pre-diagnosis or newly diagnosed
  • What is bipolar category
I think I might have bipolar: facebook live

I think I might have bipolar: facebook live

On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week April considers "I think I might have bipolar" Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 20th November, 2020

Updated: 6th January, 2021

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
  • Video library
The mysterious world of psychosis

The mysterious world of psychosis

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

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 27th October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
What having bipolar means for me

What having bipolar means for me

Bipolar UK supporter Rose shares her experience of managing bipolar and anxiety Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 21st October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Author: Rebekah Hayes

Related topics:
  • Your stories
  • What is bipolar category
Being diagnosed as bipolar 1

Being diagnosed as bipolar 1

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

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 19th October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • Pre-diagnosis or newly diagnosed
  • What is bipolar category
Top 10 tips for dealing with anger

Top 10 tips for dealing with anger

Dealing with anger is a tricky aspect of bipolar disorder to navigate. We have a number of tips that will help. We hope they help. Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 9th October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
  • Self-management
Diving suit of depression

Diving suit of depression

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

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 8th October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
Bipolar my Superpower

Bipolar my Superpower

Not everyone would like to think of bipolar as a superpower...I DO! Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 6th October, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Author: Ellie Barlow

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
My mate bipolar

My mate bipolar

Ash reflects on what she has learned so far managing his bipolar disorder. Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 15th September, 2020

Updated: 24th December, 2020

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
Bipolar and dementia: facebook live

Bipolar and dementia: facebook live

On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week Simon reviews some research and discusses the relationships between bipolar and dementia Read more

Posted to: What is bipolar?

Back to Pendulum blog homepage

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.

Read some personal stories below

Published: 7th August, 2020

Updated: 8th January, 2021

Related topics:
  • What is bipolar category
  • Video library
  • Bipolar research
Load more Back to top

Showing 10 of 26

Latest

  • Young people (18-25) support group

    Young people (18-25) support group

    Calling all 18-25 year olds - Bipolar UK is holding a workshop for young people

  • Updating your cv and returning to work

    Updating your cv and returning to work

    Join our employment specialist Lucy for tips on how to update your cv and the best way to approach on returning to work and getting a job

  • Surviving lockdown: facebook live

    Surviving lockdown: facebook live

    On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week Bipolar UK CEO Simon Kitchen addresses the latest covid lockdown

  • facebook live: music revisited

    On Fridays we host facebook live sessions on topics related to bipolar. This week the topic is music and how it can help bipolar folk

Most read

  • Bipolar UK Mood Scale

    Bipolar UK Mood Scale

    Our Mood Scale can help you to describe your moods.Use it with our Mood Diary to help keep track of your moods.

  • Find a Support Group in your area today!

    Find a Support Group in your area today!

    Our free Support Groups are a great way to get support and share your experiences.

  • How do I know if I have bipolar?

  • Is there a medical test for bipolar?

  • Is there a cause or cure for bipolar?

  • Join our eCommunity

    Join our eCommunity

    Our eCommunity is a supportive online forum for everyone affected by bipolar.

  • Could mood swings mean bipolar?

    A leaflet designed for people who are concerned about their mental health.

  • Speak to our Peer Support Line

    Speak to our Peer Support Line

    Get free support and information about bipolar from our Peer Support Line.

  • If I experience mood swings does that mean I have bipolar?

  • What is rapid cycling?

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