Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects your mood.
People with Bipolar are likely to experience both manic or hypomanic episodes (feeling high), depressive episodes (feeling low) and potentially some psychotic symptoms. However, it affects everyone differently.
Some people may experience more depressive moods than manic, and vice versa. These moods are known as ‘cycles’. People can experience less extreme moods in-between cycles.
Rapid cycling is when someone constantly switches from one extreme to another on a regular basis. It affects 10-20% of people with Bipolar Disorder and can be extremely stressful for the individual experiencing it.
People can have a mixed state where they experience elements of both a depressive and manic state.
Common Experiences of Bipolar Disorder
- Depressive Cycles
- Lack of energy fulfilling daily tasks.
- Loss of interest in everyday activities.
- Feeling empty and worthless.
- Withdrawing from others.
- Suicidal feelings.
Manic Cycles
- Talking very quickly.
- Easily irritated.
- Easily distracted.
- Excessive energy.
- Feelings of self-importance.
- Not eating or sleeping for long periods.
Personal Story
“Other people see me as having it all but perceptions can often be deceiving."
“Yes living with Bipolar has “had its highs and lows”, for the first 12 years I was on another planet, extremely isolated, people would stare at me, knowing that I was “different”, had been locked away for months on end."
“I lost friends, or those who I thought were friends, particularly those with young children who seemed to think I posed a danger – there was still so much that needed to be learned and understood 30 years ago about mental illness."
- Pru Davies
Read Pru's story here.
More Information
Bipolar Scotland: http://www.bipolarscotland.org.uk
Bipolar UK: http://www.bipolaruk.org.uk
NHS Inform | Bipolar Disorder: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/bipolar-disorder