Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is one of the most widely misunderstood mental health conditions, especially around what the disorder really involves. It’s not just “mood swings” or being “up and down.” For someone living with bipolar disorder, the highs and lows can be extreme, disruptive, and deeply distressing.

According to Bipolar UK, 1.3 million people in the UK – or one in fifty people – have bipolar, yet it often remains hidden due to stigma or misdiagnosis. Many people struggle for years before receiving the right support or even understanding what they’re going through.

In this article, we’ll break down what bipolar disorder actually is, exploring its different types, symptoms, causes, and how it can affect everyday life. We’ll also look at common treatments and how to support someone you care about who may be navigating this condition.

We’ll build a clearer picture of what bipolar disorder really means.

 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

According to the NHS, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from extreme highs to extreme lows. These shifts are more intense than the typical ups and downs we all experience and can have a serious impact on a person’s daily life, affecting relationships, work, self-care and well-being in general.

Bipolar disorder – previously known as manic depression – is a lifelong condition. But with the right treatment, support and understanding, many people live well with the condition and achieve their personal goals.

At Northern Healthcare, we understand how challenging it can be to manage a condition like bipolar disorder without the right support in place. That’s why our supported living services focus on providing personalised, recovery-focused care; creating a stable and empowering environment where individuals can build routines, develop life skills, and access therapeutic support when they need it most.

Whether it’s support with medication, talking therapies, or simply having a safe space to call home, we’re proud to help the people we support on their mental health journeys.

 

The Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is often split into different categories based on the pattern and severity of the mood swings:

• Bipolar I – where a person has had at least one manic episode that lasts a week or more, possibly with episodes of depression.

• Bipolar II – involves periods of depression and hypomania (a milder form of mania).

• Cyclothymia – involves frequent mood swings that are less severe but still disrupt daily life.

Some people may not fit neatly into one category and can be diagnosed with “bipolar disorder, other specified and unspecified types.”

Research by Bipolar UK suggests that bipolar II may account for over 40% of people living with bipolar, though many people are initially misdiagnosed with depression before receiving a correct diagnosis.

Understanding the specific type of bipolar disorder someone is living with is vital, especially in supported living settings like ours. The type of support required can vary greatly depending on the individual’s experience of mania, hypomania, or depression. By recognising and responding to these differences, we can better tailor care plans to promote long-term stability and quality of life.

 

What Are The Symptoms?

Manic or hypomanic episodes may include:

• Feeling euphoric or unusually irritable

• Talking very quickly or feeling that your thoughts are racing

• Needing less sleep

• Making impulsive or risky decisions (e.g., spending sprees)

• Feeling very confident or powerful

Depressive episodes may include:

• Feeling very low or hopeless

• Lacking energy or interest in activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Suicidal thoughts or feelings

Mood episodes can last for days, weeks, or even longer and can have a major impact on the relationships, work, and well-being of many.

 

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully understood, but research points to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Rather than being caused by a single issue, the condition typically develops through an interplay of several influences that affect how the brain controls mood, such as:

• Genetic factors – the condition can run in families.

• Chemical imbalances in the brain – particularly neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

• Stressful life events – such as trauma, loss, or abuse can trigger episodes.

• Sleep disruption – changes in sleep patterns can both cause and result from mood episodes.

By understanding these potential causes and contributing factors, we can better tailor support approaches for people living with the diagnosis.

 

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with the right treatment and support, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Treatment usually involves a combination of:

• Medication – including mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and sometimes antidepressants.

• Talking therapies – like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family therapy.

• Lifestyle support – regular routines, sleep management and avoiding triggers can all help.

• Crisis planning – recognising early warning signs and having a support plan in place.

 

Living With Bipolar Disorder

Living with the condition can be challenging, but with the right support, people can live full and rewarding lives. Mood changes can feel tough at times, but support, understanding and medical care are out there, and really can make a big difference to those in need.

Sticking to a daily routine, staying active and healthy, and having a good support network – whether that’s friends, family, or a mental health team – can all help someone feel steadier and in control.

 

How to Support a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

If someone you care about is living with the diagnosis, here’s how you can help:

• Stay informed – learning about the condition helps you understand their behaviour and needs.

• Be patient – mood changes can be hard to understand, especially during manic episodes. Try not to take things personally.

• Keep communication open – talk openly, but gently, and encourage them to share how they feel.

• Help them stick to routines – regular meals, sleep and activity can really help manage symptoms.

• Encourage professional help – support them in attending appointments and taking their medication.

 

Further Support and Information

If you’d like to learn more or need support, the following organisations provide trustworthy information and advice:

Mind

NHS

Rethink Mental Illness

Mental Health Foundation

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for regular updates.

 

References

Bipolar – The Facts | Bipolar UK

Bipolar disorder – NHS

Types of bipolar disorder – Mind

Bipolar type 2: linked but distinct in so many ways

What is bipolar disorder? – Mind

Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bipolar disorder