Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder most often starts when people are aged 15-19 years, but it can also start at any age.If your brother or sister is experiencing bipolar disorder, they are likely to experience periods of time when they are high which is often described as a manic period and times when they feel very low. 

When they are feeling manic, they may feel like they are on top of the world, be very confident, talk faster and more than usual, not sleep very much, eat more or less, do things that are dangerous such as drinking a lot or taking a lot of drugs and find it hard to concentrate on any one thing.

When they are feeling depressed, they may feel very tired, lose interest in their hobbies or in spending time with friends, experience sleep problems, feel hopeless or worthless or find that they want to harm themselves.

Your sibling might also experience psychosis, which can affect the way they see things or they might believe things that are not real.

If you, your sibling or your family are worried that your brother or sister is experiencing bipolar disorder, it is a good idea to contact your GP to get help.

You can also contact Rethink's Advice and Information Service to find out more.