Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness and is considered to be a mood disorder. A thorough assessment and early treatment of BPD gives individuals the best outcomes.
If you have bipolar you will have extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).
Episodes of mania and depression often last for several weeks or months.
Charitable Organizations | Location | Est. |
Services |
Aware |
Dublin | 1985 |
We’re here to provide information, understanding and support, both for individuals who had a diagnosis of depression or bipolar as well as family members supporting a loved one. |
Shine |
Cork | 2001 |
We provide a range of recovery-focused supports to people with mental health problems and their families and carers. |
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland |
Dublin | 2009 |
Provides information and training services. |
St. Patricks Mental Health Service |
Dublin | 1746 |
We provide community and outpatient care through its Dean Clinics and day patient services through its Wellness & Recovery Centre. It provides inpatient care through its three approved centres. |
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness and is considered to be a mood disorder. A thorough assessment and early treatment of BPD gives individuals the best outcomes.
If you have bipolar you will have extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).
Episodes of mania and depression often last for several weeks or months.
During a period of depression, your symptoms may include:
The manic phase may include:
During a manic phase, extreme positive feelings about yourself or your life could lead to risky actions or unwise decisions. These could have negative consequences on your finances, work or relationships.
You may have episodes of depression more often than episodes of mania, or vice versa.
Between episodes, you may sometimes have periods where you have a “normal” mood.
The patterns aren’t always the same and some people may experience:
If your mood swings last a long time but aren’t severe, you may have cyclothymia. This is a mild form of bipolar disorder.
If you’re experiencing an elevated mood, or marked irritability, without changes in thinking or sleep, this could be hypomania.
Bipolar disorder can be a condition of extremes. You may be unaware of changes in your mood and behaviour during phases of mania or hypomania.
After the episode is over, you may be upset by your out-of-character behaviour. But at the time, you may believe other people are being negative or unhelpful.
Some people with bipolar disorder have more frequent and severe episodes than others. The extreme nature of the condition means staying in a job may be difficult. Relationships may also become strained. There’s also an increased risk of suicide.
During episodes of mania and depression, you may experience strange sensations. For example, hearing or smelling things that aren’t there (hallucinations). These experiences are related to changed perceptions of normal senses. They respond well to treatment.
People with bipolar disorder may also believe things that seem irrational to other people (delusions). These are symptoms of psychosis or a psychotic episode.
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mental-health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-symptoms.html [1]
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