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What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental health condition that affects around 1 in 50 Australians. People living with bipolar disorder tend to experience extreme mood swings. This includes extreme high moods called mania and extreme depressive or low moods. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.
Bipolar disorder usually develops during the teenage years or early adulthood, but it may develop later in life too. It's not known what causes bipolar disorder, although genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Bipolar disorder symptoms can affect how a person feels, thinks and behaves. For many people, mood episodes can have a large impact on day-to-day life. Extreme highs and severe depression can cause challenges with relationships, self-care, work and social life. If mood changes are affecting how you function in everyday life, it's important to get help.
Types of bipolar
There are several different types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar type 1 disorder
People with bipolar I disorder typically experience:
- Manic episodes that last a long time (weeks or months)
- Depressive episodes
They may also experience psychotic symptoms such as seeing things that aren't really there or believing things that aren't logical.
Bipolar type 2 disorder
People with bipolar II disorder typically experience:
- Major depressive episodes
- Hypomanic episodes (similar to a manic episodes, but less severe)
Cyclothymic disorder
People with cyclothymic disorder experience unpredictable changes in mood that occur frequently. This may include episodes of mania and depression. However, episodes tend to be shorter and less extreme than for bipolar I and II disorder.
How to know if you have bipolar
Bipolar disorder symptoms can be severe, affecting everyday life such as work, relationships, physical health and social life.
When should you get help?
If you have experienced an episode of mania, hypomania or depression, it's recommended you seek a professional assessment. Talking to your GP is a good place to start.
It's important to get help if mood swings are affecting your day-to-day life. A mental health professional can help you access tools and treatments to cope better.
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours, get help immediately.
- Call 000
- Call Lifeline 13 11 14
Support for living with bipolar disorder
There are many supports and services out there to help you manage your health and overcome any challenges you might be facing. These include:
- Mental health helplines – talk with a counsellor over the phone or online.
- Support groups – connect with other people who have similar experiences. Ask your GP about support groups in your area.
- Employment support – government funded programs such as Disability Employment Services help find jobs for people with an injury, illness or disability, including bipolar disorder. Speak to APM about how we can help you find meaningful employment and thrive in the workplace.
Read our other guides on living and working with bipolar disorder:
Supporting job seekers with bipolar
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