Bipolar Disorder Resources
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. We all have changes in our mood, but in bipolar disorder these changes can feel very distressing and have a big impact on your life.
People with bipolar disorder experience:
- Manic episodes (feeling high)
- Depressive episodes (feeling low)
Some people with bipolar also experience psychotic symptoms during manic or depressive episodes. You might have had the first symptoms when you were a child, or you could develop them later in life. At least half of all cases start before the age of 25.
Signs of a manic episode include:
- Uncontrollable excitement
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling invincible
- Talking very fast
- Sleeping very little, often without feeling tired
- Acting rudely or aggressively
- Feeling unusually confident in yourself and your abilities (for example, feeling as if you have special powers or abilities that you did not have before)
- Behaving impulsively, taking unusual risks, overspending money
Signs of a depressive episode include:
- Feeling tired all the time
- Avoiding things you usually enjoy
- Withdrawing from people
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty taking care of yourself and your hygiene
- Self-harm or suicidal behaviors
What Helps Manage Bipolar Disorder?
The two main types of treatment for bipolar disorder are medication and counseling. Treatment for bipolar disorder may change depending on whether you’re managing a current mood episode or managing longer-term mental health.