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Bipolar disorder manifests in shifts in mood, energy and activity levels, ranging from high moods known as manic episodes to low moods known as depressive episodes. Our evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder can help you live a full and balanced life.
What is bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition with strong changes in mood and energy.
People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme moods of feeling really high, very active and euphoric (‘manic’) or feeling really low (‘depression’).
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I is characterised by experiencing at least one manic episode. This may cause delusions or hallucinations (psychosis) and can require admission to hospital. People experiencing bipolar I may or may not experience alternating depressive episodes afterwards.
Bipolar II disorder
People living with bipolar II experience at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode.
Hypomanic episodes are similar to mania but not as extreme. You may feel extremely happy, excited or energetic but don’t experience symptoms of psychosis or a break in reality.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
The main symptom of bipolar disorder is experiencing extreme changes in mood, people may feel very happy one day and then very down another day, this is more intense than average mood changes.
Hypomania typically lasts for a few days and is less severe than mania. It is typically more manageable than mania and doesn’t usually require hospital treatment.
Mania usually lasts a week or longer and is usually more severe than hypomania, episodes of mania may need to be treated in a hospital and may have a significant impact on your day to day life.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania include:
- feeling very happy and excited
- feeling very irritable or aggressive
- having a lot of energy, feeling restless or not needing much sleep
- racing thoughts or not being able to concentrate
- speaking fast or talking a lot – you may not make sense to other people
- a high sex drive (libido)
- feeling overly confident or adventurous
- being impulsive or extravagant such as spending lots of money
- hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- believing things that are not true (delusions)
- feeling paranoid
Symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder include:
- feeling sad or upset
- not being interested in things you usually enjoy
- low energy or feeling very tired
- difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- eating too much or too little
- low confidence
- feeling worthless or hopeless
- not being able to concentrate
- avoiding seeing or spending time with other people
- having thoughts about harming yourself or committing suicide
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, please contact your general practitioner (GP) for a diagnosis.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Our holistic approach to treatment supports your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Our programs are based on cognitive behavioural therapy and are tailored to meet your needs.
Topics explored during treatment may include:
- understanding and managing bipolar disorder
- identifying your signs and symptoms of mania and depression
- challenging and managing negative or unhelpful thoughts
- stress reduction through mindfulness or other activities
Our programs are delivered by qualified psychologists and allied health therapists who work closely with psychiatrists, other psychologists, nurses and allied health professionals. You may participate in group programs with other patients, or one-on-one sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Our inpatient program can help you with the acute symptoms of your condition. Where outpatient programs are offered, we may focus on recovery and relapse prevention.
Your general practitioner or psychiatrist will refer you to the program that best suits your needs.
Benefits of bipolar treatment
Treatment may help you to gain better control of your moods and reduce symptoms. It can also provide support, education, and guidance for you and your family or support network.
Other benefits may include:
- Developing an understanding of your own signs, symptoms and triggers of mania, hypomania or depression.
- Learning new skills and techniques to help control and manage bipolar disorder.
- Reducing distress and worry regarding your symptoms.
These benefits depend on your particular circumstances and require your full participation. Please consult a specialist in this area before deciding whether our care is suitable for you.
Locations
In the community
Community mental wellbeing services across New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
Mental health enquiries
It’s important to get the right treatment for your needs.
If you’re experiencing a crisis or emergency, please call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services or visit our emergency assistance page to find more crisis services.
If you’re feeling that something isn’t right but it’s not an emergency, you can take the first step by sending us an enquiry.