Although bipolar disorder has gained publicity from celebrities who have experienced this, the fact is that it is a serious mental health problem that can cause such disruption to people's' lives and to loved ones. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions that can easily dictate your behaviours and lose a sense of who you are. It can be difficult to repair some of the damage caused by mania and can often lead to feelings of guilt and shame which can then make it difficult to rise out of depression. 

The main characteristics of bipolar disorder are significant alternating mood states of manic highs with depressive lows. When manic, it may feel good but can involve many impulsive and risky behaviours such as staying up for long periods, having unrealistic goals and ambitions, making rash and impulsive decisions such involving relationships or jobs and some risky behaviours in terms of spending money, sexual behaviour or conflict. Depressive symptoms are more recognisable with periods of low mood, demotivation, feelings of guilt, self-critical thoughts and isolation. In many cases people seek out the manic periods to avoid the lows but this tends to make the cycle repeat.