During periods of depression, those with bipolar might experience symptoms like:

• Feeling hopeless, sad or irritable
• Struggling to concentrate or remember things
• Low energy
• Uninterested in daily activities
• Sleeping problems
• Catastrophising and negative thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts

During a manic episode, symptoms may include:

• Feeling happy, excitable and energetic
• Talking very quickly
• Having lots of new ideas and excited about plans for the future
• Annoyed and distracted easily
• Making impulsive or risky decisions, which often have big consequences – spending lots of money on unaffordable items
• Avoiding sleep
• Inflated sense of self-importance

Hallucinations, delusions and illogical thinking can be experienced during periods of both depression and mania.

Patterns of bipolar may vary – even in the same person, it’s possible for patterns to change over time. You could alternate between high highs and low lows, or you may experience a more balanced mood in between periods of mania and depression. Some people experience depression and mania at the same time.

Scientists are unsure of the precise cause, but some evidence shows it’s due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Overwhelm, whether caused by extreme stress or a life changing event can trigger an episode of depression or mania. Learning your specific triggers (which will be individual to you) can help manage your condition.

Labels like bipolar can be challenging, as mental health conditions are still stigmatised. The important thing to remember is that there’s no shame in having bipolar.

Learning whether you have this condition can help you find new ways to support yourself. Hopefully, it will also allow space for greater self-compassion. You can’t change whether you have bipolar, but you can acknowledge that your condition comes with challenges that you’re trying your best to navigate.

Our counsellors and psychotherapists are experienced in providing support for those with bipolar.