People with bipolar disorder have periods or episodes of:

• depression – feeling very low and lethargic

• mania – feeling very high and overactive (less severe mania is known as hypomania)

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on which mood you're experiencing. Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer), and some people may not experience a 'normal' mood very often.

Depression

You may initially be diagnosed with clinical depression before having a future manic episode (sometimes years later), after which you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

During an episode of depression, you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.

If you're feeling suicidal or having severe depressive symptoms, contact your GP, care coordinator or local mental health emergency services as soon as possible.

If you want to talk to someone confidentially, call the Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123. You can talk to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, visit the Samaritans website or email jo@samaritans.org.

Mania

During a manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may feel very happy and have lots of energy, ambitious plans and ideas. You may spend large amounts of money on things you can't afford and wouldn't normally want.

Not feeling like eating or sleeping or talking and becoming annoyed easily are also common characteristics of this phase.

You may feel very creative and view the manic phase of bipolar as a positive experience. However, you may also experience symptoms of psychosis, where you see or hear things that aren't there or become convinced of things that aren't true.

What are the symptoms?

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

Episodes of mania and depression often last for several weeks or months.

Depression

During a period of depression, your symptoms may include:

• feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time

• lacking energy

• difficulty concentrating and remembering things

• loss of interest in everyday activities

• feelings of emptiness or worthlessness

• feelings of guilt and despair

• feeling pessimistic about everything

• self-doubt

• being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking

• lack of appetite

• difficulty sleeping

• waking up early

• suicidal thoughts

Mania

The manic phase of bipolar disorder may include:

• feeling very happy, elated or overjoyed

• talking very quickly

• feeling full of energy

• feeling self-important

• feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans

• being easily distracted

• being easily irritated or agitated

• being delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking

• not feeling like sleeping

• not eating

• doing things that often have disastrous consequences – such as spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items

• making decisions or saying things that are out of character and that others see as being risky or harmful

How can we help you?

If you think you might be suffering with bipolar disorder you should see your GP for help, they can refer you to healthcare professionals within our services. 

If you feel that you are in mental health crisis, visit our help in a crisis page for advice and support.