Living With Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder may bring about emotional, practical, and social challenges. Know that there are strategies to help cope with whatever you or your loved one are facing on a daily basis. Once you seek help from your healthcare team, they can offer suggestions that have been proven to work, connect you with others facing the … Read more

Tips for Dating Someone With Bipolar Disorder

If you are currently dating someone with bipolar disorder, you may struggle with a number of challenges like how you can support them while still caring for yourself. Here are some ​real-life tidbits on dating a person with bipolar disorder: Get Educated on Bipolar Disorder Knowledge is power, so learn as much as you can about … Read more

What Does the Term ‘High-Functioning’ Bipolar Disorder Mean?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels.1 The mood episodes linked to bipolar disorder can make it difficult for the person to go about their day-to-day life.2 However, some people with bipolar disorder are able to manage their symptoms and go about their day. Colloquially, this is referred … Read more

What to Know About Coming Out of a Manic Episode

A manic episode occurs when a person who has bipolar disorder feels extremely active and energetic, often beyond their control, says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of “Understanding Bipolar Disorder.” These are some of the characteristics of a manic episode:1 Feeling either euphorically happy or irritable and disagreeable Having a high level of energy and … Read more

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Women

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings.1 While it’s experienced in similar ways for both men and women, there are some distinct differences when it comes to symptoms. Let’s take a look at the unique ways that bipolar disorder affects women. What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder—sometimes referred to as manic depression—causes profound … Read more

What Medications Are Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder?

What is the most important information I should know about bipolar medications? Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves medications to help stabilize mood, such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Each medication comes with its own side effects, interactions, and warnings. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you, and always inform them … Read more

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Men

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition known to occur in episodes marked by extreme shifts in mood and energy.1 More than 2% of the world’s population lives with this disorder.2 While men and women are equally affected by bipolar disorder,2 there are specific gender differences in how the condition manifests. This article will examine the … Read more

Bipolar Depression Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bipolar depression is a period of low mood, fatigue, and lack of motivation that someone with bipolar disorder may experience. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that affects close to 3% of people in the United States.1 This condition can cause people to experience severe fluctuations in mood, energy levels, concentration, thought patterns, and behavior.2 People … Read more

Understanding the BPD Favorite Person Relationship

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition marked by intense emotions and moods that are not easily contained.1 Of the 1.4% of adults in the United States2 living with BPD, a common thread that runs through them is a special connection to a person in their lives. This individual is often described as their ‘favorite person,’ and … Read more

How Do I Know If I Have Bipolar Disorder?

If you have symptoms that resemble bipolar disorder, such as intense mood swings, you might be wondering if you have the disorder. Perhaps others have suggested that you have some signs of bipolar disorder. Either way, you want to know whether you could possibly have bipolar disorder, and if so, what might happen next. Let’s take … Read more