This blog is by Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director at Aware for World Bipolar Day.

For people living with bipolar, changes in mood can strongly affect thinking, emotions and behaviour in everyday life. These changes usually involve periods of feeling very low (depressed), elated (elation), or sometimes a mix of both, with times of more stable mood in between.

These shifts don’t just affect emotions, they can also influence energy levels, behaviour, and the way a person understands and responds to what’s happening around them. Although these experiences can be challenging, it is possible to live a full and meaningful life with effective intervention which may include medication, psychological therapy.

Correct diagnosis of both bipolar and the specific type of bipolar a person is experiencing is essential for successful intervention. Getting a clear diagnosis can challenging, taking on average up to 10 years, with the first signs often seen in late teens or early adulthood , where sometimes family and friends can be the first to notice a pattern in their loved one’s behaviour.

Bipolar is best understood as the result of a combination of different factors interacting over time. These include biological (e.g. genetic vulnerability and differences in how the brain regulates mood and energy), psychological including patterns of thinking (for example, how people interpret events, respond to stress, or view themselves), as well as difficulties with regulating emotions or sleep. Social and environmental factor such as stressful life events, relationship difficulties, trauma, or major changes in routine can also play a role in developing bipolar. It is understood that bipolar disorder can develop through the interaction of these influences, rather than having one singular cause.

Bipolar is a condition that requires lifelong management and knowledge is the first step. Research shows that a combination of psychological therapy, medication, a healthy lifestyle and strong social support is the most effective way to live well with bipolar. Understanding a person’s individual experiences, triggers, and context is important, as this can help guide more personalised and effective support.

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Empowering people to look after their mental health is an important part of our work hear at Aware including our Living Well with Bipolar Programme. A free service delivered by a mental health professional, designed to empower participants by deepening their understanding of bipolar and helping to identify personal triggers for mood changes – this programme provides a strong foundation for thriving with bipolar. Registrations for the next course and more details available here. 

For those friends and family supporting a loved one experiencing bipolar or depression, Aware also offers a Family and Friends Support Programme, a psycho-educational programme providing information, understanding and practical support. The free programme aims to equip participants with the tools to better understand and support a loved one, whilst maintaining their own wellbeing. Registration and more information available here.

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Read more on the Aware World Bipolar Day page here.