Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Going through bipolar mood states can be extremely difficult to cope with but support is availableBipolar Disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a serious condition marked by alternating periods of elation or mania- feeling very high and overactive followed by episodes of depression.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists about one in every 100 adults has Bipolar Disorder at some point in their life and men and women are affected equally. The ArtsMinds survey showed that 324 respondents had experienced strong mood swings in the six months prior to the survey and 109 had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
The causes are not fully understood but it is thought that a combination of elements can work together to cause it. NHS Choices state that “extreme stress, overwhelming problems and life changing events are thought to contribute, as well as genetic and chemical factors”.
There are two types of the disorder and although usually a long term condition, effective treatments can curtail its impact on daily life. There are also support groups and a lot of advice for living with Bipolar.
“Diagnosed Bipolar. Currently seeing a psychologist for Cognitive Analytical Therapy. Been quite stable the last 6 months despite not taking psychiatric drugs”
“I was diagnosed bi-polar in 2012 after decades of manic depressive swings. Have been on Lithium since then - a wonder drug”