This was previously known as manic depression. It is a condition which affects your moods, which can go from one extreme to another.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
People with Bipolar Disorder have episodes of
Depression
Mania
Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several week longer.
Depression
You may initially be diagnosed with clinical depression before you have a manic episode. After this you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
During an episode of depression, you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts.
- If you are feeling suicidal, call 99 or go to your nearest A+E department as soon as possible.
- If you are feeling very depressed, call your GP or speak to you local mental Health Service
- Find your local NH urgent Mental Health helpline.
- 24/7 Crisis Mental Health Helpline – support for anybody In Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Bury Oldham and Stockport. For all ages. 08000149995
- You can call 111.
- Samaritans – call free on 116123, They are available all day, 7 days a week.
Mania
During a Manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may experience the following: -
- Feel very happy.
- Have lot of energy, ambitious plans, and ideas
- Spend a lot of money of things you cannot afford and purchase items that you would not normally buy.
- Not feel like eating or sleeping
- Talk quickly.
- Become annoyed easily.
- You may also experience symptoms of psychosis, where you see or hear things that there or become convinced of things that are not true.
What causes Bipolar?
The exact cause of Bipolar is unknow. Several things can trigger an episode.
- Extreme Stress
- Overwhelming problems
- Life- changing events.
- Genetic and chemical factors
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity and number of episodes of depression and mania to allow as normal a life as possible.
Bipolar Treatment
Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated using different treatments.
These can include 1 or more of the following:
- medicine to prevent episodes of mania and depression – these are known as mood stabilisers, and you take them every day on a long-term basis.
- medicine to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they happen.
- learning to recognise the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania.
- psychological treatment – such as talking therapies, which help you deal with depression and provide advice on how to improve relationships.
- lifestyle advice – such as doing regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement, and advice on improving your diet and getting more sleep.
Most people with bipolar disorder can receive most of their treatment without having to stay in hospital.
But hospital treatment may be needed if your symptoms are severe or you're being treated under the Mental Health Act, as there's a danger you may self-harm or hurt others.
In some circumstances, you could have treatment in a day hospital and return home at night.
Medicines for bipolar disorder
Several medicines are available to help stabilise mood swings.
These are commonly called mood stabilisers and include:
- lithium
- anticonvulsant medicines
- antipsychotic medicines
Social Care and support
If you need help with day to day living because of bipolar disorder or you care for someone who has bipolar disorder (including family member)
The guide for care and support below explains what support is available.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/
Bipolar Disorder and driving
If you have bipolar, you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as it may affect your driving.