What is Bipolar?
BipolarA neurological condition involving significant shifts between periods of elevated mood and depression involves significant shifts between periods of elevated mood (maniaDistinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least one week or hypomaniaA milder form of mania lasting at least four days with elevated mood but less severe impairment) and periods of depressionPersistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, significantly impacting daily functioning. These aren't just mood swings - they're distinct episodesDiscrete periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are clearly different from your baseline functioning that can last days to months, affecting energy, sleep, thinking, and behavior in ways that create friction with environments designed for emotional stability.
People with bipolarA neurological condition involving significant shifts between periods of elevated mood and depression often describe their emotional range as operating at intensities that others might not experience. This can mean profound lows, extraordinary highs, and everything in between - sometimes creating challenges, sometimes offering remarkable depth and insight.
Reframing Bipolar
Traditional descriptions focus on bipolarA neurological condition involving significant shifts between periods of elevated mood and depression as a "disorder" of extreme mood swings. A more nuanced understanding recognizes it as a neurological difference where mood episodesDistinct periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are different from your baseline operate with greater intensity and duration than typical emotional responses.
Think of it like having an emotional system that doesn't have a "medium" setting - when it moves, it moves significantly. This creates genuine challenges during episodesDiscrete periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are clearly different from your baseline functioning, but it can also lead to extraordinary creativity, empathyThe ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and insight during stable periods. The goal isn't to eliminate these patterns but to understand and manage them safely.
Manic/Hypomanic Episodes
Periods of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy lasting at least several days. HypomaniaA milder form of mania lasting at least four days with elevated mood but less severe impairment is less severe than full maniaDistinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least one week but follows similar patterns.
- Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested on 2-3 hours)
- Racing thoughtsThoughts that move so quickly they're hard to follow, organize, or communicate effectively or rapid speech
- Increased goal-directed activityExcessive involvement in activities with potential for negative consequences or psychomotor agitationVisible physical restlessness and increased movement that others can observe
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosityUnrealistic beliefs about your abilities, importance, or power during mood episodes
- DistractibilityAttention easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli or poor judgment
- Engaging in activities with potential negative consequences
Major Depressive Episodes
Periods of persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, often much longer, that significantly impact daily functioning.
- Profound sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities (anhedoniaThe inability to feel pleasure or interest in activities that you normally enjoy)
- Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
- Fatigue or complete energy loss
- Concentration and decision-making difficulties
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicidal ideationThoughts about ending your life, ranging from passive wishes to specific plans
Mixed States and Rapid Cycling
Complex presentations where symptoms of maniaDistinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least one week and depressionPersistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, significantly impacting daily functioning occur simultaneously, or mood episodesDistinct periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are different from your baseline change frequently throughout the year.
- High energy with depressed mood
- Racing thoughtsThoughts that move so quickly they're hard to follow, organize, or communicate effectively alongside hopelessness
- AgitationFeeling restless, irritable, or unable to sit still during mood episodes combined with sadness
- Four or more mood episodesDistinct periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are different from your baseline in 12 months
- Particularly challenging to manage and recognize
- Higher risk periods requiring careful monitoring
Between Episodes
Periods of stability where mood, energy, and functioning return closer to baseline. These times often involve processing episode impacts and maintaining wellness.
- Rebuilding relationships affected during episodesDiscrete periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are clearly different from your baseline functioning
- Managing consequences of episode decisions
- Maintaining medicationPharmaceutical treatments that help stabilize mood and prevent episodes and therapyProfessional counseling to develop coping strategies and understand patterns routines
- Developing episode recognition and prevention strategies
- Often the times of greatest insight and creativity
- Working on identity integration across mood statesDifferent emotional and cognitive conditions that occur during various phases of bipolar
Bipolar-Related Struggles
Click on any struggle to learn what it feels like, why it happens, and what can help.
Related Struggles from Other Conditions
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
BipolarA neurological condition involving significant shifts between periods of elevated mood and depression frequently occurs alongside other neurodivergentBrain differences that create distinct patterns of thinking, processing, and behavior conditions and mental health differences. Understanding these connections can help you get comprehensive support:
- ADHD: Overlap in executive functionThe brain's management system that handles planning, organization, time management, task initiation, and follow-through challenges and emotional intensityEmotions that feel overwhelming, intense, or disproportionate compared to typical responses
- Anxiety disordersConditions involving excessive worry, fear, or physical anxiety symptoms: Particularly during depressive phases
- Substance use disordersProblematic use of alcohol or drugs, often as attempts to self-medicate mood symptoms: Often as self-medication during episodes
- Eating disorders: Changes in appetite and eating patterns during mood episodesDistinct periods of altered mood, energy, and behavior that are different from your baseline
- Borderline personality disorderA condition involving intense emotions, unstable relationships, and difficulty with sense of self: Shared emotional intensityEmotions that feel overwhelming, intense, or disproportionate compared to typical responses patterns
- Sleep disorders: Circadian rhythmYour body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other biological processes disruption during episodes
Professional Support
Bipolar often benefits from specialized professional support. Here are specific resources to connect with bipolar-experienced providers and communities:
Finding Bipolar Therapists
- Psychology Today Bipolar Provider Search - Filter by bipolar specialty and insurance
- DBSA Support Groups - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance local chapters
- NAMI Local Support - National Alliance on Mental Illness bipolar resources and support groups
Medical & Self-Help Resources
- CCI Bipolar Workbooks - Free evidence-based self-help modules and worksheets
- NIMH Bipolar Information - Research-based treatment and medication guides
- DBSA Wellness Tracker - Free mood and medication tracking tools
Community & Advocacy
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - Peer support and educational resources
- r/BipolarReddit Community - Active discussions on bipolar life and management strategies
- International Bipolar Foundation - Research updates, wellness tools, and global bipolar community resources