Living with bipolar disorder can feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster, with extreme highs followed by overwhelming lows. For those experiencing these swings, and for the people around them, life can feel unpredictable, sometimes even chaotic. I worked with people with bipolar disorder during my time on mental health teams in the NHS and clearly saw the emotional chaos this condition can bring. One of the things many people may not be aware of are the terrible difficulties that can arise during mania, that feel okay at the time, but soul destroying when you realise what you have done. I remember one lovely, really respectable young woman who would be sexually promiscuous during mania, which is something she would never normally do. another who invested most of their savings into a business venture that failed. Over the years, I’ve worked with many individuals and families who have felt lost and exhausted by these fluctuating moods, and together we’ve found ways to cope and thrive. In this article, I want to guide you through what bipolar disorder is, how to get help, what treatment options are available, and how I can support you along the way.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to function in everyday life. It involves shifts between two extreme mood states: mania (feeling overly excited, elated, or even irritable) and depression (feeling extremely low, unmotivated, or hopeless). These changes in mood can happen over days, weeks, or months, and may seem to come out of nowhere, leaving someone feeling unbalanced.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This is the more severe form, where individuals experience intense manic episodes that can last at least a week, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Depressive episodes often follow, lasting at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: In this form, the manic episodes, called hypomania, are less extreme. But people still experience the lows of depression, which can be deeply disruptive.
- Cyclothymia: This is a milder form, where mood swings are less severe but still cause noticeable shifts between emotional highs and lows.
Bipolar disorder can make it hard to maintain stability in relationships, work, and daily routines. But remember, it’s a condition that many people manage successfully with the right support and treatment.
Relatable Example
Think of someone like Anna, a young professional in her 30s. She describes feeling “on top of the world” during her manic phases—full of energy, buzzing with ideas, but then, almost overnight, plunging into a deep depression where she could barely get out of bed. For years, she thought it was just part of her personality. It wasn’t until she reached out for help that she realized she wasn’t alone, and she could learn how to manage these intense shifts.
How to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder
Recognizing the need for help is a big step, and it’s one that shows incredible strength. If you’ve noticed that your mood swings are making it difficult to live the life you want—whether because of your highs, your lows, or both—it’s important to seek professional support.
When to Seek Help
If your mood swings are interfering with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or even take care of yourself, it’s time to reach out. This might look like:
- Extreme highs where you feel unstoppable or take unnecessary risks
- Deep lows where getting through the day feels impossible
- Difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, or thoughts of self-harm
Where to Start
Your GP is a great first step. They can talk to you about your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Dr. Elaine Ryan’s Approach
I believe that understanding bipolar disorder is the first step toward managing it. My approach is to work closely with each person, helping them recognize their unique patterns and triggers. From there, we build a plan that suits their needs—whether that’s learning to recognize early warning signs of an episode, or finding ways to manage stress and maintain a routine.
Where to Get Help in Ireland
GP Referral
Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health team within the HSE (Health Service Executive), where you’ll be assessed and can begin treatment. Though the public health system offers a variety of supports, waiting times can be a challenge.
Private Therapy Options
Private therapy offers a more immediate option for those who feel they need help quickly. I offer both in-person therapy in Dublin and online therapy for people across Ireland, giving you the flexibility to access support wherever you are.
Support Networks
There are also support groups, such as Bipolar Ireland, that provide a sense of community. It can be incredibly powerful to share experiences with others who are going through something similar.
What Therapy is Available for Bipolar Disorder?
Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of therapy and medication, tailored to your needs. Everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, so treatment is never a one-size-fits-all.
Psychoeducation
A big part of managing bipolar disorder is understanding it. During my time working within the NHS, I co-led psychoeducational groups where we taught people about the importance of routine, understanding mood patterns, and recognizing early signs of mania. For example, needing less sleep is often an early indicator of an oncoming manic episode. Knowing this helps people intervene early before things escalate.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help you manage the depressive episodes by challenging negative thinking patterns and replacing them with healthier, more balanced thoughts. It also helps build practical coping strategies for dealing with stress, which can often trigger episodes.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
This form of therapy is particularly useful for people with bipolar disorder. It focuses on establishing and maintaining a consistent daily routine, which is crucial in managing mood swings. IPSRT helps stabilize circadian rhythms (your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle), which can be key to preventing manic or depressive episodes.
Family-Focused Therapy
In some cases, therapy involving family members can be beneficial. It helps family members better understand the condition and how they can support their loved one, while also addressing any relationship issues that might arise due to the mood swings.
Medication
Many people with bipolar disorder benefit from medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. This can include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, depending on the individual’s needs. Medication and therapy together often provide the best outcomes.
How Dr. Elaine Ryan Can Help
I offer personalized therapy that is designed around your specific needs. No two people experience bipolar disorder in exactly the same way, so I take time to understand what works best for you. Together, we’ll build a toolkit of strategies to help you recognize and manage your mood swings. It’s important if you are on medication, such as lithium that you adhere to the treatment and also work closely with your psychiatrist if it was them that prescribed your lithium.
Personalized Therapy
In our sessions, we’ll work on understanding your personal triggers and mood patterns, so you feel more in control. I’ll help you create practical strategies for dealing with both the manic and depressive phases.
Compassionate Care
You’ll always find a safe, non-judgmental space with me, where we can explore your experiences openly. I understand how isolating bipolar disorder can feel, and I’m here to support you through it.
Accessible Services
Whether you’re in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, I offer both in-person and online therapy, so no matter where you are, help is within reach.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder may present its challenges, but you can learn to manage it.
References
- The Lancet Psychiatry
- British Journal of Psychiatry
- Health Service Executive (HSE)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- World Health Organization (WHO)