Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. These mood swings affect sleep, energy levels, activity, judgement, behaviour and the ability to reason.

Symptoms might vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder or the related disorder the individual has, but most include symptoms of mania or hypomania and Depression.

Mania and hypomania are two different episodes but usually have similar symptoms. Mania is considered more severe than hypomania because it causes more noticeable issues in an individual's everyday life. Mania can also occasionally result in psychosis (a break from reality) and requires hospitalisation.

A manic or hypomanic episode would typically include three or more of these symptoms:

• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• An exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making

When someone with bipolar disorder has a major depressive episode, they may experience these symptoms:

• Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful
• Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in most activities
• Significant weight loss or weight gain that is unintentional
• Either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Either restlessness or slowed behaviour
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Decreased ability to concentrate or make decisions
• Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide

Bipolar disorder is considered a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment. However, despite the extreme mood swings, most people with bipolar disorder often don't realise just how much it disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Some individuals may enjoy the sudden feelings of euphoria during a hypomanic episode, but this is often followed by an emotional crash that leaves them depressed.

This can be an exhausting emotional roller coaster for all parties involved, so treatment is highly recommended for bipolar disorder. Getting treatment will allow individuals to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.