Bipolar affective disorder is a condition characterised by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity. These shifts go beyond ordinary changes in mood: the highs (known as mania or hypomania) and the lows (depressive episodes) can be intense, disruptive, and sometimes frightening, both for the person experiencing them and for those around them.
Bipolar disorder affects roughly two per cent of the population and can take a number of forms. For many people, the journey to diagnosis is a long one, and it is not uncommon to have been treated for depression alone before a fuller picture emerges.
What it can feel like
During a manic or hypomanic episode, someone might feel euphoric, unusually energetic, full of ideas, and less in need of sleep. These states can feel good at first, but they can also lead to impulsive decisions, strained relationships, and a crash that leaves significant damage in its wake.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder can be profound, bringing deep sadness, exhaustion, hopelessness, and difficulty functioning day to day. The contrast between states, and the unpredictability of when they will come, can itself be exhausting and demoralising.
The role of therapy
Medication is often an important part of managing bipolar disorder, and we would always encourage working closely with a GP or psychiatrist. Therapy sits alongside this, offering space to understand your patterns, build early warning systems, process the impact of past episodes, and explore the emotional complexity that often accompanies a long-term diagnosis.
At Inner Space, we recognise that living with bipolar disorder affects identity, relationships, and self-understanding in ways that deserve careful attention. Our work connects with depression, anxiety, and relationship support.
Bipolar UK provides peer support, information, and resources for people living with bipolar disorder and those who care for them.