In this article
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mental health condition that can significantly affect your mood and behaviour. Estimates suggest that 1 in 100 people will be diagnosed with BD at some point in their lives.
The symptoms of BD can make a person experience extreme highs and severe lows. Unlike typical mood swings, these mental health episodes can last for days or weeks. Bipolar symptoms can make people seem erratic, unpredictable, delusional or extremely depressed. BD can have a significant impact on daily life, work and personal relationships.
Bipolar disorder (formally known as manic depression) is characterised by cycles of mania (highs) and depression (lows).
In a depressive phase, symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
- Feeling sad, lonely or hopeless
- Lacking in energy or motivation
- Thinking negative thoughts
- Being irritable
- Behaving in an irrational or delusional way
- Lacking in appetite
- Unable to sleep or sleeping too much
- Feeling suicidal
Symptoms exhibited during a manic phase may include:
- Feeling extremely happy or euphoric
- Hyperactivity
- Making rash decisions with no thought of the consequences (such as spending large sums of money)
- Risky or out of character behaviour
- Delusional or illogical thoughts and behaviour
- Hallucinations
- Talking quickly
- Feeling wide awake and not wanting to sleep
- Delusions of grandeur or importance
There is unfortunately still a lot of stigma about mental illness. In this article, we will look at a couple of case studies of people who are taking full advantage of medical treatment, therapy, self-care and other strategies to manage their bipolar. You will see that our case studies, although sharing a common link to BD, share both similarities and key differences. This is because people with mental health conditions are individuals and are not defined by their diagnosis.
Lastly, we will take a brief look at the representation of BD in characters on film and TV. We will think about how influential they are and why it is important that we see accurate and relatable depictions of characters with mental health problems on screen. We will also discuss the responsibility writers and directors have to be sensitive and avoid cliché and the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Case Study 1
Parenting with Bipolar Disorder – Overcoming the Challenges
Meet Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of two who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when her children were just toddlers. She had always exhibited some symptoms of the condition, but it was after the birth of her twins that it became obvious something was amiss.
Initially, she attended a GP appointment on the advice of her health visitor. She was concerned that she may have postnatal depression; however, after asking some questions about her history and mental health she was referred to a specialist who diagnosed Sarah’s BD.
As a parent living with this condition, Sarah faces unique challenges every day. Her mood swings and energy levels greatly impact her ability to care for her children and maintain a stable home environment. At times, Sarah’s manic episodes leave her feeling invincible and full of energy, causing her to take on too much, leading to exhaustion. During her depressive episodes, even the simplest tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Despite these challenges, Sarah is determined to be the best parent she can be for her children.
Sarah’s treatment plan includes a combination of medication and therapy. She attends regular sessions of private Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and challenge her negative thought patterns. She and her husband also committed to a year of family therapy immediately after her diagnosis, to strengthen and solidify their relationship. They started another course of family therapy during a particularly challenging time a couple of years later.
Sarah takes lithium (a psychiatric drug used as a mood stabiliser) in addition to anti-depressants.
To manage her symptoms, Sarah knows she has to prioritise self-care, which is not always easy with kids! However, she tries her best to keep to a healthy sleep schedule, exercise regularly, and practise mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing. As her children become older and less needy, the house has settled into a calmer routine which helps with Sarah’s condition.
She praises her husband’s unwavering support of her, saying:
“At my lowest, it was always him who would pick me up off the floor. When I have been struggling, I always knew that he would provide the care and consistency that our kids needed. If I had to curl up in a blanket in the dark for a day, I knew he would be there, doing the work of two parents – and I love him for that!”
Unfortunately, Sarah admits that she still finds it hard to disclose her condition to teachers at the school and to other parents, fearing judgement and stigma. This is a hurdle that, with time, Sarah may overcome. However, disclosing her bipolar is a personal decision.
Sarah’s children, now aged ten, have learned to be understanding and supportive of their mother’s condition. They know when to give her space during her low moments and when to join in on her high energy activities. Sarah’s openness about her condition has also helped her children develop empathy and understanding for others who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Despite daily challenges, Sarah has found ways to thrive as a parent. She has learned to communicate openly with her children about her feelings and needs, and she has developed creative strategies for managing her symptoms while still being present and engaged in her children’s lives. Sarah’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to her family and community, showing that living with bipolar disorder may challenge her as a parent, but it does not have to define her.
Case Study 2
Now, we will look at another inspirational case study of someone living with bipolar and being very successful, but in a very different way to Sarah. Later we will examine the similarities and key differences between the two.
Thriving in a Career with Bipolar Disorder – Breaking the Stigma
Meet Alex, a successful business executive in his late 30s who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early 20s. His diagnosis began to start making sense of some of his past behaviour including his propensity to end up in serious debt, as well as his trouble controlling his drinking and cocaine use. He had tried to explain it away as him simply enjoying a lavish lifestyle and doing what every young person working in finance in the city was doing. It took Alex’s then-girlfriend discovering a box full of receipts for thousands of pounds of purchases and dozens of final demand letters, to finally convince him to see someone and get help.
He wasn’t expecting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and despite the initial shock and fear of living with a mental health condition, Alex was determined not to let his diagnosis hold him back. His girlfriend could not handle the pressure of the mounting debts and moved out of their apartment. She did stay in touch as a friend and was an important source of support for Alex in those early days.
With the right treatment and support, he has built a thriving career and become a respected leader in his industry. Alex’s treatment plan includes a combination of medication and therapy. Initially he tried only taking a low dose of antidepressants but found this was not sufficient to manage his symptoms. After some trial and error, he and his doctor found the right combination of both antidepressant and mood-stabilising medication for him. He attends regular sessions of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which helps him develop skills to manage his emotions.
Of his therapy sessions Alex says:
“I have found DBT really helpful. It is based on the same principles as cognitive behavioural therapy, but specially adapted for people who experience intense emotions. It has helped me make sense of my feelings. Sometimes it feels like a war inside my head but DBT has taught me that two things that feel opposite can both be true. It has taught me that I can accept myself for who I am and also want to change at the same time.”
Alex decided to be open about his bipolar disorder with his employer and colleagues, a decision that has helped break down stigmas and create a culture of understanding at work. During a team meeting, Alex shared his personal story, explaining how his condition affects him and how he manages it. While most of his colleagues were supportive and understanding, a small minority expressed concerns about his ability to perform his job or questioned his reliability. However, the company’s leadership and HR department were prepared to address these concerns and made a plan to educate employees on mental health and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. They also implemented a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or harassment, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and supported at work.
Before his diagnosis, Alex struggled to make sense of his erratic behaviour and dramatic mood swings. He would experience periods of extreme energy and focus, starting multiple projects simultaneously, only to crash later and feel overwhelmed by his inability to complete them. However, once he received his diagnosis, Alex had to relearn how to harness his creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit to build a successful career, whilst managing his bipolar symptoms and taking better care of himself.
To complement his medication and therapy, Alex prioritises self-care and maintains a healthier work-life balance than before. He tries to get enough sleep and exercises regularly – he has found sticking to a routine beneficial and attends the gym and swimming pool on set days each week.
He has also formed a support network of colleagues, friends and family members who understand his struggles and offer encouragement. It was a difficult but necessary decision to distance himself from the friends he used to party with and he now has a new group of people who enjoy an active and sober lifestyle. Instead of late nights drinking in bars or nightclubs, Alex and his new friends enjoy spending their free time hiking, camping, fishing, doing sport and travelling.
Alex has learned to be open about his condition with his employer and colleagues, which has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in his workplace. His transparency has also inspired others to speak up about their own struggles, creating a culture of understanding and support.
Despite the challenges, Alex has excelled in his career. He has recently received a promotion and taken on a middle-management role at his finance firm. Despite his thriving career, Alex has not yet been lucky in love. The unpredictable nature of BD can sometimes put too much strain on a relationship for it to work. He has not lost hope though:
“I’m sure the right girl will come along eventually, who accepts me for me. That’s all any of us can ask for really.”
Alex’s success serves as a testament to the fact that living with bipolar disorder does not mean one cannot achieve their goals and dreams. However, it is important to note that the symptoms of BD, even when managed effectively, may not fully go away. Alex still has to endure bad days where he feels depressed and isolated; however, he has learned to use positive coping mechanisms to deal with them rather than alcohol and drugs. He is also surrounded by individuals who care for his wellbeing and accept him.
Alex’s case study highlights that with the right support, treatment and commitment, people with mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, are still able to thrive in all aspects of their lives including their careers.
Treatment and Coping Strategies
BD is a long-term condition that does not go away on its own. The effects of bipolar can usually be managed using a combination of:
- Medicine to treat symptoms for depression and/or mania
- Self-help techniques
- Therapy
- Lifestyle changes
- Strong support networks
- Learning to recognise triggers
A number of medicines are available to stabilise the mood swings associated with bipolar, which include:
- Lithium (the most common treatment)
- Anti-convulsant medicine (including valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine)
- Antipsychotics (haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone)
In addition to taking medication, some people with BD find that psychological treatments are helpful to them, such as:
- Psychoeducation
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
We have seen the individuals in both of our case studies use multiple coping strategies and treatments. There may be some trial and error involved and as people progress through life with bipolar, they may need to adjust their medicine and start to take a lower or higher dose.
Similarly, a person with bipolar may take a course of therapy and then take a break, going back for additional therapy during challenging times (as Sarah and her husband did). For other people, regular long-term sessions will work better.
Challenges Faced
Both of our case studies faced similar challenges, but in different environments, including:
- Managing mood swings and overwhelm
- Battling depression
- Worrying about stigma and when to make a disclosure about their mental health
- Relationship challenges
Alex, like many people with bipolar disorder, was making rash decisions, engaging in risky behaviour and getting into debt. He had to change his attitudes and thinking and make adjustments to his social circle after his diagnosis to help manage this.
Although he initially faced a small amount of backlash, Alex found sharing his mental health battles with his colleagues to be cathartic. Sarah found she was less comfortable disclosing her mental health problems; this may be connected to the societal expectations that are placed on mothers or because of Sarah’s personal anxiety towards being judged. As a young independent, single man, Alex may have felt he had more freedom to express himself without it having the same repercussions.
Recovery and Achievements
Both individuals showed significant strength in reaching out for help, getting treatment and taking steps towards recovery. For Sarah, this included:
- Admitting she was struggling with motherhood and getting help
- Taking medication (antidepressants and lithium)
- Going to therapy
- Attending family therapy to strengthen her marriage
- Learning positive coping mechanisms and prioritising self-care
- Being honest with her children
As a result of her commitment, Sarah has been able to be a compassionate and good parent, as well as maintain her marriage to her husband.
Alex took significant steps towards building a positive life after his bipolar diagnosis, such as:
- Recovering from alcohol and substance misuse
- Finding healthy coping mechanisms and positive behaviours
- Keeping up with treatment plans (including medication and therapy)
- Building a new support network
- Finding new and healthier ways to unwind and socialise
- Being successful in his career
- Disclosing his condition at work and being part of effecting change in the workplace
By taking the above steps, Alex was able to do well at work and make positive lifestyle changes.
Comparison and Common Themes
BD never fully goes away – both Sarah and Alex had to learn to live with their condition. They both worried about common problems that people with bipolar face such as:
- Accepting their diagnosis
- Stigma
- Learning to manage and harness the mania and depression that come with BD
- Accepting help
- Using a combination of treatment options
- Making lifestyle changes
Both characters in our case studies measured success in different ways: Sarah wanted to be a great wife and mother and Alex wanted to be successful and respected in business. Although both used coping mechanisms, treatments and prescribed drugs to help them achieve their individual success to a high standard, both still have a way to go.
Alex has been able to thrive in his work and social life despite having BD but has not found long-term love, and Sarah is still uncomfortable sharing her diagnosis. This is indicative of the fact that living with a mental health condition is an ongoing process and requires lifelong commitment, adequate support and treatment modifications.
Resilience and Support Systems
Episodes of both mania and depression experienced by people with bipolar disorder can make them feel isolated and alone. We know that outcomes are more positive for people with mental health problems when they have a supportive network of people around them. This might include:
- A spouse or partner
- Parents
- Other family members
- Children
- Friends
- Colleagues
- Acquaintances
- Therapists
- Medical professionals
Because bipolar never goes away and treatment relies on the management of symptoms, to get the best outcomes, patients need to be committed to and engaged in their recovery. That said, relapses happen and symptoms may increase in severity over time. People who are struggling to manage their condition require extra care and support, not judgement or to be told that they have failed in some way. Relapses, highs and lows are the reality of living with bipolar.
Inspiration and Hope
Our case studies show that it is still possible to live a full and well-rounded life, even if you have BD. Both highlight how the most crucial parts of modern life, our careers and our children, can still flourish with the right treatment and support.
Many people wrongly label themselves as a ‘failure’ if they have a mental illness. The above case studies show that, although difficult, it is possible to turn that sentiment on its head and become a great success even with BD.
Success does not have to mean material gain either; for some, success is raising happy children or simply being happy. When you live with mental health problems, success can even be just getting out of bed in the morning, facing the world and taking things one step at a time.
Inspiring, Authentic and Relatable Depictions of BD in Film and TV
There are several films and TV series that have included themes of bipolar disorder with varying degrees of authenticity and acclaim.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – This romantic drama film stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano, a man with bipolar disorder who is trying to rebuild his life after being released from an institution. The film explores the ups and downs of Pat’s condition, as well as his relationships with his family and a new love interest, played by Jennifer Lawrence.
- Touched With Fire (2015) – Starring Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby, Touched With Fire is a love story about two people with bipolar who meet in a psychiatric hospital and fall in love. The film explores the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of living with a mental illness, documenting the drama and tenderness of their highs and the torment of their lows.
- Boy Interrupted (2009) – This documentary film tells the story of a young man named Evan Perry, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager. The film follows Evan’s journey as he navigates the ups and downs of his condition, including hospitalisations and relationships.
- Homeland (TV series, 2011–2020) – The main character, Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, has bipolar disorder. The show explores her struggles with her condition, including her experiences with mania and depression, the necessity of her medication and the impact of not having access to treatment. We also get an insight into her relationships with her colleagues, sexual partners and family through the lens of BD. Danes was praised for her ability to blur the lines between bipolar symptoms and the character’s unique personality traits, which is often the case for people living with BD.
- Shameless (TV series, 2011–2021) – The comedy drama Shameless revolves around a single father struggling to raise his dysfunctional family in Chicago and the hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking, obstacles they encounter along the way. One of the sons, Ian Gallagher (played by Cameron Monaghan), deals with episodes of mania, substance abuse and denial of his bipolar diagnosis. Ian’s condition is genetic, with his mother Monica also suffering from BD. The series uses her condition as a way of providing context to her long history of poor decision-making and addiction issues.
Some of the above portrayals have been praised for their accuracy and sensitivity. It is important that mental health issues are visible in film and TV and that representations are relatable and empathetic. It is important that writers and directors avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or relying on cliché when they explore themes of mental illness.
Using themes of mental health in film and TV can help to:
- Reduce stigma around mental illness in the general public
- Increase understanding, awareness and advocacy
- Make people with mental health issues feel less alone or isolated
- Offer insight into treatment options and coping mechanisms
- Show the consequences of denial and using bad coping mechanisms
As our case studies have shown, each person’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, and no one portrayal in the media will ever fully capture the complexities of the condition. However, characters on film and TV are increasingly being used to represent the diversity of our communities and this can open up difficult conversations that people often shy away from.
If you are struggling with your mental health or recognise any of the symptoms we have discussed in film, TV or in our case studies, make an appointment to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Living with a mental health condition can pose additional challenges and make navigating our way through life even more difficult. Bipolar disorder is characterised by the cycling of different moods and, if untreated, can leave people unable to function and fit in with daily life.
A combination of treatments and strategies, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes, can help to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In addition, people with positive, caring and non-judgemental support networks are more likely to manage their condition effectively.
Today, through two case studies, we have seen that despite the difficulties and uncertainties of coping with mental illness, it is still possible to be a caring and empathetic parent or a hardworking and aspirational employee.
Bipolar Disorder Awareness
Just £20
Study online and gain a full CPD certificate posted out to you the very next working day.