Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD), this page is here to help you understand the condition, recognize its challenges, and access tools that support well‑being and quality of life.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition involving cycles of depression, mania, and sometimes hypomania (Grande et al., 2021). These shifts can deeply affect daily functioning, relationships, and performance at work or school (Carvalho et al., 2020).

Types of Episodes

Mania

Elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, impulsivity, decreased need for sleep, and impaired judgment. Episodes typically last at least seven days and can significantly disrupt functioning (Goodwin et al., 2020).

Hypomania

Similar to mania but milder, lasting at least four days and causing less impairment (Vieta et al., 2020).

Depression

Persistent sadness, low energy, sleep and appetite changes, loss of interest, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. These episodes often occur more frequently and are more debilitating than mania (Carvalho et al., 2020).

Mixed Episodes

Symptoms of depression and mania occur at the same time, increasing distress and safety risks (Goodwin et al., 2020).

Rapid Cycling

Defined as four or more mood episodes within a year (Grande et al., 2021).

Why Understanding Bipolar Disorder Matters

Bipolar disorder affects more than mood. It can influence every part of life:

• Up to 30 percent of individuals with BD struggle to maintain employment (Marwaha et al., 2020).

• Quality of life may remain impaired even between episodes (Michalak et al., 2020).

• Six to seven percent of individuals with BD die by suicide (Álvarez‑García et al., 2021).

Early recognition, evidence‑based treatment, and strong support networks can significantly improve outcomes (Miklowitz et al., 2021).

Signs and Symptoms

Depressive Symptoms

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Anxiety, irritability, or guilt

• Fatigue or low motivation

• Sleep or appetite disturbances

• Loss of interest in activities

• Suicidal thoughts

Manic Symptoms

• Euphoria or severe irritability

• Racing thoughts and impulsivity

• Decreased need for sleep

• High‑risk behaviors

• Loud or pressured speech

• Possible hallucinations or delusions

Support for Family and Friends

You play a vital role in your loved one’s journey.

How You Can Help

• Learn about BD to build understanding and reduce stigma (Miklowitz et al., 2021).

• Encourage consistent routines to support mood stability (Harvey et al., 2020).

• Watch for early warning signs to prevent escalation.

• Discuss suicide risk openly and create a safety plan (Álvarez‑García et al., 2021).

• Seek support for yourself because caregiver well‑being matters.

Treatment and Management

Medical Treatments

• Mood stabilizers

• Atypical antipsychotics

• Cautious use of antidepressants

Medication significantly reduces relapse and improves functioning (Goodwin et al., 2020).

Therapeutic Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Family‑Focused Therapy

• Psychoeducation

• Routine‑regulation therapies

These interventions improve daily functioning and reduce relapse (Miklowitz et al., 2021).

Lifestyle Strategies

• Regular sleep patterns and exercise (Harvey et al., 2020)

• Stress management

• Avoiding alcohol and substances

• Use of mobile apps for symptom tracking (Faurholt‑Jepsen et al., 2020)

Collaborative Care

Integrated care involving psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and community programs enhances outcomes and quality of life (Miklowitz et al., 2021).

Resources

Crisis Support

Trusted Organizations

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): www.nimh.nih.gov
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org

Ask Your Provider About

• Support groups

• Social work services

• Substance use resources

• Disability services

• Vocational assistance

What You Can Do Today

If You Are Living With Bipolar Disorder

Follow your treatment plan, maintain daily structure, and reach out when you need support.

If You Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Educate yourself, listen with compassion, and promote stability and wellness.

If You Are a Clinician or Advocate

Please share this information, promote access to care, and support integrated approaches.

Individuals with bipolar disorder can live a full and rewarding life with the right resources and support.

References

Álvarez‑García, R., de la Fuente‑Tomás, L., González‑Blanco, L., Sáiz, P. A., García‑Álvarez, L., Iglesias‑Álvarez, A., & Bobes, J. (2021). Suicide attempts and mortality in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, 1191–1203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.071

Carvalho, A. F., Firth, J., & Vieta, E. (2020). Bipolar disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1906193

Faurholt‑Jepsen, M., Geddes, J. R., & Young, A. H. (2020). Smartphone‑based monitoring in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 32, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.01.006

Goodwin, G. M., Haddad, P. M., Ferrier, I. N., Aronson, J. K., Barnes, T. R., Cipriani, A., & Young, A. H. (2020). Evidence‑based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 216(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.202

Grande, I., Berk, M., Birmaher, B., & Vieta, E. (2021). Bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 397(10280), 1843–1855. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00720-2

Harvey, A. G., Kaplan, K. A., & Soehner, A. M. (2020). Sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 22(6), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-1144-4

Marwaha, S., Durrani, A., & Singh, S. (2020). Employment outcomes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 141(5), 386–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13163

Michalak, E. E., Murray, G., & CREST.BD. (2020). Living well with bipolar disorder: A systematic review. Bipolar Disorders, 22(2), 121–144. https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12880

Miklowitz, D. J., Schneck, C. D., Singh, M. K., & George, E. L. (2021). Psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 44(2), 227–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2021.02.001

Vieta, E., Salagre, E., Grande, I., Carvalho, A. F., Fernandes, B. S., Berk, M., & Suppes, T. (2020). Early intervention in bipolar disorder. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(4), 391–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30472-7