WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that mainly affects sufferers' moods.
It is characterised as periods of euphoric highs and depressive lows.
These mood swings can be extreme and have a big impact on a patient's quality of life.
The rate of bipolar episode cycling varies between sufferers.
Bipolar's causes may include childhood trauma, stressful life events, genetics or brain chemistry.
Treatment may include medication or therapy.
Sufferers can practice self-care by staying physically healthy, maintaining a strong support network, sticking to a daily routine and avoiding known triggers, such as late nights.
The difference between bipolar I and II is that bipolar II sufferers won't have experienced a full manic episode.
Source: Mind