What is Bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

These mood shifts can affect energy levels, behavior, thinking patterns, and the ability to carry out daily activities.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood episodes that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The intensity and duration of these episodes vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of a Manic Episode (Mania or Hypomania)

During a manic episode, individuals experience heightened energy, mood, and impulsivity. Symptoms include:

Extreme euphoria or irritability – Feeling overly happy, excited, or aggressive.
Increased energy and activity levels – Engaging in multiple activities at once, often without rest.
Racing thoughts and fast speech – Jumping from one idea to another rapidly.
Decreased need for sleep – Feeling rested with little to no sleep.
Impulsivity and risky behavior – Reckless spending, excessive gambling, or unsafe sex.
Grandiosity – Overconfidence in abilities or unrealistic beliefs about oneself.

Hypomania is a milder form of mania where symptoms are less severe and do not cause major disruptions in daily life.

Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

A depressive episode brings extreme low moods, affecting daily functioning. Symptoms include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness – Feeling empty, worthless, or guilty.
Fatigue and low energy – Difficulty carrying out everyday activities.
Loss of interest in activities – No longer enjoying hobbies or social interactions.
Changes in sleep patterns – Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Appetite changes – Weight loss or weight gain due to eating too little or too much.
Difficulty concentrating – Struggling with memory, decision-making, or focus.
Thoughts of death or suicide – Suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors.

Mixed Episode Symptoms

Some individuals experience mixed episodes, where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously. For example, feeling restless and energized but also hopeless and suicidal.

Experiences

Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings; it profoundly affects daily life, relationships, and personal well-being.

Those living with bipolar disorder often experience intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and deep depressive lows, making stability challenging. Below are three major experiences commonly faced by individuals with bipolar disorder.

Emotional Extremes and Unpredictability

Individuals may feel unstoppable during manic episodes, full of energy and grand ideas, only to crash into deep depression.
The unpredictability of mood swings can make it hard to maintain relationships, jobs, and responsibilities.
Many describe feeling like they have two different selves, struggling to recognize their own emotions at times.

Struggles with Relationships and Social Life

During mania, individuals may engage in impulsive behaviors, such as reckless spending, risky decisions, or overcommitment, leading to regret later.
Friends and family may struggle to understand the shifts in behavior, leading to misunderstandings or distance.
In depressive episodes, social withdrawal and feelings of worthlessness can make it difficult to maintain connections.

Challenges with Stability and Daily Functioning

Mood swings can interfere with consistent work performance, leading to career instability.
Maintaining a structured routine is difficult, as energy levels and motivation fluctuate.
Some individuals experience medication and therapy fatigue, struggling to stay committed to treatment due to shifting moods.

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Psychological therapy plays a crucial role in managing mental health disorders by helping individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

It provides effective strategies to cope with symptoms, improve daily functioning, and enhance overall well-being. While different disorders require specific approaches, here are three major ways psychological therapy can help.

Developing Coping Strategies and Emotional Regulation

Therapy teaches individuals how to identify and manage triggers that worsen symptoms.
Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help in challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with healthier perspectives.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques help reduce stress, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors.

Therapy helps individuals with mental health conditions understand their emotions and communicate effectively.
Family and couples therapy can educate loved ones, improving support systems and reducing misunderstandings.
Social skills training helps individuals with conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, or depression navigate relationships better.

Improved Coping with Trauma and Past Experiences

Enhancing Daily Functioning and Long-Term Stability

Therapy assists in creating structured routines to manage daily responsibilities despite mood fluctuations.
It helps in goal-setting and problem-solving, allowing individuals to regain a sense of control over their lives.
Therapists can guide medication adherence, encourage self-care habits, and provide ongoing support for relapse prevention.