If you have bipolar disorder, you’re likely to have episodes of mania (feeling very high) and depression (feeling very low). This is why it used to be called ‘manic depression’. You may feel well between these episodes. Bipolar symptoms can make daily life hard and affect your relationships and work. Mood changes can feel overwhelming, upsetting and difficult to deal with. During a depressive episode, you may: -Feel sad, hopeless or irritable -Lack of energy and appetite -Lose interest in everyday activities -Have difficulty concentrating or remembering things -Feel empty, worthless, guilty or despairing -Have difficulty sleeping During a manic episode, you may: -Feel full of energy -Feel self-important or have lots of ideas and plans -Be easily distracted, irritated or agitated -Have no desire to sleep -Make decisions or say things that are out of character, risky or harmful. Some people experience psychosis during a severe episode of depression or mania. This means you may see or hear things that aren’t there or believe things that aren’t true. Episodes can last for several weeks or months, with periods of less extreme mood in between. Depending on how you experience these moods and how severe they are, your doctor may diagnose you with a particular type of bipolar disorder. You may find people don’t understand bipolar disorder or have misconceptions about it and how it affects you. This can be distressing, especially if they’re people close to you.
From Mental Health Foundation
