It’s a complex disorder, and people living with bipolar disorder will have periods of depression and mania and will alternate between these two extremes.

What can trigger bipolar disorder?

While no one is 100% sure of the exact cause of bipolar disorder, there are factors that are thought to contribute to its development. These, of course, differ from person to person.

1. Genetics

Studies have shown that people with a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

2. Stressful life events

Trauma, loss, and major life changes can all contribute to the onset of symptoms. Studies have found that people with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, prior to the onset of symptoms.

3. Hormonal changes

It’s thought that women with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms during certain times of their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and postpartum.

4. Drugs and alcohol

Substance abuse can disrupt the balance of chemicals in the brain, leading to changes in mood and behaviour.

What is a bipolar person like?

When experiencing mania, we may feel like we have lots of energy and become ‘full of life’. We feel excited about everything and experience a huge surge in productivity. Our creativity may feel especially heightened during this period. There is a decreased need for sleep and we might spend time coming up with new ideas or become intensely productive because of that increase in energy. On the outside, others may see us as fun, optimistic, and the life of the party.

However, more intense bouts of mania may lead to reckless and impulsive behaviours such as spending all our money, becoming overly sexual/sexually active, and drinking too much. Mania can be mild, moderate, or severe, so it is sometimes more difficult to distinguish between happiness and elation with a mood disorder.

On the flipside, bouts of depression are also common. The symptoms mirror ‘regular’ clinical depression. We may feel a deep sadness, hopelessness, a loss of energy, and a lack of interest in activities. It’s common during this episode to over-sleep and experience a change in appetite. We may also have death or suicide on our minds.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

There are several types of bipolar disorder, each distinguished by the pattern of mood shifts.

1. Bipolar I disorder

Manic episodes will typically last at least one week. These episodes may be severe enough to warrant immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes usually occur as well, and last at least two weeks. These episodes may occur before or after the manic episode. In essence, a person affected by bipolar I disorder has experienced at least one manic episode in their life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and high energy, accompanied by behaviour that disrupts functioning.

2. Bipolar II disorder

This disorder is made up of a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic manic episodes (less severe than manic episodes), without ever having a full manic episode. Typically, people with this disorder will experience one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks. They also have at least one hypomanic episode that lasts about four days.

3. Cyclothymic disorder

Multiple episodes of manic and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years, though not meeting the full diagnostic criteria of hypomanic or depressive episodes.