What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes, from times of very high energy (manic episodes) to times of depression. These moods can be so extreme that it's hard to function at work, in school, and with family and friends. There's no cure, but medicines and counseling can help.

The symptoms depend on your mood swings, or "highs" and "lows." During a manic high, you may feel:

• Very happy, energetic, or on edge.
• Like you need very little sleep.
• Overly self-confident.

Some people spend a lot of money or get involved in dangerous activities when they are manic. After a manic episode, you may return to normal. Or your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness.

During a depressive episode, or low, you may have:

• Trouble thinking and making decisions.
• Memory problems.
• Less interest in things you have enjoyed in the past.
• Thoughts about killing yourself.

The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may come on slowly over several days or weeks or suddenly over a few minutes or hours. These mood swings may last for a few hours or for several months.

Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose. This is because it has many phases and the symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions.

To find out if you have bipolar disorder, your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms. You will be asked how long your symptoms last and how often you have them. Your doctor will ask about your family history.

Blood and urine tests, such as a test of your thyroid, may be done to make sure another problem isn't causing your symptoms. A toxicology screen looks at blood, urine, or hair for the presence of drugs.

The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner you can get treatment, feel better, and improve the quality of your life. This can also reduce your risk of other health conditions, such as substance use disorder.

Bipolar disorder is treatable. A treatment plan can make you feel better.

You may need to try several medicines to find the best combination.

• Most people with bipolar disorder need to take a medicine called a mood stabilizer every day.
• Antipsychotic medicine can help get a manic phase under control.
• Antidepressants are used carefully for episodes of depression. They cause some people to move into a manic phase.

Counseling is also an important part of treatment. It can help you cope with some of the work and relationship issues that the condition may cause.

You can do a few things on your own. These include getting enough sleep and learning to recognize the early signs of highs and lows. Exercise may also help with depressive symptoms.

People often stop taking their medicines during a manic phase because they feel good. But this is a mistake. Take your medicines regularly, even if you're feeling better.

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor first. You and your doctor may need to try different combinations of medicines to find what works for you.
• Take your medicines on schedule to keep your moods even. When you feel good, you may think that you do not need your medicines. But it is important to keep taking them.
• Go to your counseling sessions. Call and talk with your counselor if you can't go to a session or if you don't think the sessions are helping. Do not just stop going.
• Get at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. For many people, walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other things, such as running, swimming, or cycling.
• Get enough sleep. Keep your room dark and quiet. Try to go to bed at the same time every night.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
• Try to lower your stress. Manage your time, build a strong support system, and lead a healthy lifestyle. To lower your stress, try physical activity, slow deep breathing, or a massage.
• Do not use alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs.
• Learn the early signs of your mood changes. You can then take steps to help yourself feel better.
• Ask for help from friends and family when you need it. You may need help with daily chores when you are depressed. When you are manic, you may need support to control your high energy levels.