What is bipolar?
Overview
Bipolar is a serious mental illness that affects mood, energy, and how you experience the world. It is often long-term, and can involve recurring episodes of both high and low mood.
There are different types of bipolar, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia. These are based on the pattern and severity of mood changes a person experiences.
People with bipolar experience episodes of high mood (mania or hypomania), and often periods of low mood (depression). These episodes are different from the everyday ups and downs we all experience, and can have a significant impact on daily life.
Bipolar affects everyone differently. Some people may have frequent mood changes, while others may have long periods of stability in between episodes.
With the right support and understanding, people can and do live well with bipolar.
Bipolar: The Essential Guide
Bipolar Scotland have prepared a handy reference guide exploring Bipolar in detail. To access it, please click on the button below.
Symptoms Of Bipolar
Bipolar involves periods of low mood (depression) and times when mood is much higher than usual (mania or hypomania). Everyone’s experience is different, but some common symptoms are outlined below.
What are Manic Episodes?
Mania and hypomania are periods of unusually elevated mood and increased energy in bipolar.
During an episode of mania, people may experience an intense surge of energy, heightened mood and impulsivity. They might feel euphoric, have racing thoughts, take risks such as overspending or reckless behaviour, and need little sleep without feeling tired. These episodes can have a significant impact on daily life and may require urgent support.
Hypomania involves similar changes in mood and energy, but is usually less severe than full mania. However, it can still be disruptive and affect sleep, judgement, relationships and decision-making.
Key symptoms to look for
- Extremely Happy And Excited
- Increased Activity Excessive Energy
- Reduced Need For Sleep/Unable To Sleep
- Reduced Appetite
- Euphoric Feelings
- Feeling Irritable and Angry
- Having lots of grand plans and ideas
- Psychosis (seeing & hearing things that are not real)
- Racing thoughts
What are Depressive Episodes?
Depression in bipolar involves periods of low mood, where people may feel sad, hopeless, or lose interest in things they usually enjoy.
It can also affect sleep, appetite, energy levels, and concentration. Some people may experience thoughts about death or suicide during these periods.
These changes in mood can be part of a wider pattern in bipolar, where periods of low mood alternate with times of higher mood and energy.
Key symptoms to look for
- Feelings Of Sadness, Hopelessness And Emptiness
- Feeling Guilty, Inadequate And Worthless
- Loss Of Confidence And Self Esteem
- Loss Of Motivation
- Excessive feelings of anxiety and dread
- Appetite And Weight Changes
- Thoughts Of Suicide
Watch the video
TED-Ed presents an illuminating exploration of bipolar in their captivating video titled “Understanding Bipolar .” Delivered by an expert in the field, this engaging presentation delves deep into the complexities of bipolar, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of this often-misunderstood condition.