Bipolar (previously known as manic depression) is a mental health condition where people experience extreme mood swings. Although everybody experiences changes in mood, people with bipolar experience them much more severely, so it affects their everyday lives. People with bipolar disorder usually experience periods of extreme highs (called mania or hypomania) and extreme lows (called depression).

Different types of bipolar disorder

• Bipolar I: people with bipolar I experience long periods of mania (at least a week) and depression, and may experience psychotic episodes.
• Bipolar II: people with bipolar II experience less extreme highs (called hypomania) that last a few hours or days. They usually also experience periods of depression, but may have periods where their mood is relatively normal.
• Cyclothymic disorder: people with cyclothymic disorder experience milder moods than people with other bipolar disorders.
• Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified: this is a type of bipolar that doesn’t fit into the other three categories of bipolar. Everyone’s experiences of bipolar are different so some people’s symptoms may not fit strictly into any one type.

Learn more about Bipolar in this TedEd video.

What is a manic episode or hypomanic episode?

Someone having a manic episode is experiencing an extreme high that lasts at least a week. Symptoms of a manic episode include:

• feeling euphoric or high
• having more energy than usual
• not needing as much sleep as normal
• feeling irritable
• racing thoughts
• having lots of projects or plans
• feeling uninhibited (doing things they normally wouldn’t feel comfortable doing)
• risk-taking behaviour (like having unprotected sex, gambling or speeding)
• thinking they have special powers or talents
• psychosis (not being in touch with reality, confused or delusional ideas or thoughts or having hallucinations.)

A hypomanic episode is less severe and may not last as long as a manic episode. Someone experiencing a hypomanic episode will experience the same symptoms but milder, although they won’t experience psychosis. They may still be able to go about their everyday life during the episode.

Having a manic episode can be really scary and confusing, if you think you or someone you know is having a manic episode you can call Lifeline for help and support. Sometimes someone having a manic episode will feel really good, and won’t want to get help. Tell an adult you trust if this is happening to someone you know, they’ll be able to help you get the support your friend or family member needs. You can also reach out to your school councellor, or get in touch with a medical professional through you GP. 

You can find more info about bipolar disorder at Headspace and Reach Out.

What is a depressive episode?

Someone having a depressive episode is experiencing an extreme low that will last at least two weeks. Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• feeling sad
• crying
• feeling irritable
• losing interest in things they normally enjoy
• having no energy or motivation to do things
• having trouble sleeping or sleeping much more than normal
• changes in appetite (eating more than usual or eating less than usual)
• feeling hopeless or worthless
• having trouble concentrating or remembering things
• having thoughts of suicide or self harm. 

 and learn about whats its like to live with this condition in this video and this longer interview. 

If you or someone close to you is having a depressive episode, or considering self harm or suicide, you can call Lifeline for help and support.

Where can I get help?

If you think you or someone you know might be experiencing bipolar disorder, it’s important to get help from a mental health professional. Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment and management. It can usually be treated with a mix of medication and psychological treatment, so that you or your friend or family member can keep on doing the things they normally do.

• Talk to your school counsellor about how you’re feeling. If you don’t know who the counsellor is at your school, ask a teacher about getting help. They will be able to refer you to the right staff member. They will be able to develop strategies to help you deal with your condition and help determine the root of why you are feeling this way. 
• A GP will be able to help set you up with a mental health care plan that will connect you to a psychologist if you think that’s right for you. 
  • If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with a trusted adult, check out our post on ‘Going to the Doctor on Your Own’ for more info on making an appointment and finding a doctor that suits you
• Contact a mental health organisation like Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, ReachOut or Headspace. Each of these organisations have support phone-lines and chat rooms with trained professionals waiting to help – and it’s free!
• You could also find your nearest headspace centre.