Bipolar disorder: What to know, spot, and treat

Signs and causes

Bipolar disorder looks different person to person. One day you feel on top of the world, the next you're deep in a dark slump. Those big mood swings aren't just "bad days" — they can wreck sleep, work, and relationships. If you've noticed sudden bursts of energy, risky choices, less need for sleep, or periods of deep depression that last days to weeks, check with a doctor.

What causes bipolar? There's no single cause. Genes, brain chemistry, life events, and sleep patterns play a role. Family history raises risk. Major stress or poor sleep can trigger an episode. Some drugs and medical problems make mood swings worse.

Treatment and daily steps

Diagnosis uses clinical interviews and mood history. Types include bipolar I (full manic episodes) and bipolar II (hypomania and depression). Treatment combines medicines, therapy, and habits that stabilize mood. Mood stabilizers like lithium remain a mainstay. Antipsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or clozapine (Clozaril) help when symptoms are severe. Antidepressants can help but may trigger mania, so providers balance benefits and risks.

Therapies that help include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy. CBT gives tools to handle thinking patterns. Psychoeducation helps you spot early warning signs. Family therapy improves support and reduces relapse.

Daily tips: keep a regular sleep schedule, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, track moods with a simple app or diary, and build steady routines for meals and exercise. Sleep and routine are powerful in preventing swings. If you notice small changes in sleep or thoughts, tell your clinician early.

Medication safety matters. Some online pharmacies sell psychiatric meds, but quality and legality vary. Always use a licensed pharmacy and get a prescription. Blood tests are needed for drugs like lithium and clozapine because they can affect organs and require monitoring.

In a crisis: if someone is a danger to themselves or others, call emergency services right away. If there’s extreme agitation or psychosis, seek urgent care or a psychiatric emergency team. Have a safety plan with contact numbers and warning signs.

Consider peer support and reliable online resources. Joining a bipolar support group or reading trustworthy sites helps you feel less alone and learn coping tricks. Mobile apps for mood tracking and sleep can flag trouble early. Meds have side effects: olanzapine may cause weight gain and drowsiness; clozapine needs regular blood checks for low white cells. Always discuss side effects and alternatives openly with your clinician so treatment fits your life. You can get help.

Work with your clinician to find a medication plan that fits your priorities. Keep a simple list of benefits and side effects to review at appointments. Ask about blood tests, weight monitoring, and ways to manage sleep and appetite changes. If one drug causes bad side effects, other options exist. Consider second opinions if you're not improving. Local mental health clinics, community centers, and verified telepsychiatry services can help you find the right care without long waits.