Imagine your emotions swinging like a pendulum, from soaring highs to crushing lows. That’s what it can feel like to live with a bipolar disorder. It’s not just having mood swings; it’s experiencing intense periods, called mood episodes, that drastically affect your energy, your feelings, and your ability to function.

Sometimes, you might feel incredibly happy, energetic, and even irritable – these are manic or hypomanic episodes. Other times, you might feel deeply sad, hopeless, and unable to find joy in anything – those are depressive episodes. In between, there are periods of feeling more balanced. It’s a challenging cycle, but it’s important to remember that with treatment, people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

There are different types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Each has its own nuances, but the common thread is the experience of these intense mood shifts. 

Learn more about them in the infographics below.