The Truth About Bipolar and My Own Story.

Hello!

Before I delve into more general information about this very challenging condition, I wanted to share that bipolar disorder runs in my own family and has in fact impacted me personally. 

To skip to MY STORY – go to the end of the blog. 

Talking about Bipolar 

Firstly, have you heard the word bipolar used casually? "My boss is completely bipolar." "My ex was totally manic". Bipolar & its symptoms get thrown around as shorthand for unpredictable or dramatic behaviour, and that casual misuse can do harm to the millions of people living with a genuinely complex neurological condition.

🧠 A CONCISE SUMMARY OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder affects around 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 people in the UK, yet it remains widely misunderstood and often takes over nine years to be correctly diagnosed. It is surrounded by stigma that makes it harder for people to seek help or talk openly about what they are experiencing.

It is a neurobiological mood disorder marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, thinking, sleep, and functioning — far beyond normal emotional ups and downs.

There are two main types. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes (sometimes including psychosis) followed by depression. Bipolar II involves hypomania (a milder form of mania) and major depressive episodes and is often misdiagnosed as depression alone. Cyclothymia and bipolar spectrum presentations also exist. These mood episodes are driven by underlying brain chemistry and circadian rhythm changes rather than life events alone.

To learn more about mania, hypomania and depression, go to the very end section- Additional Information. 

Causes

Research links bipolar disorder to neurotransmitter imbalances (chemical messengers in the brain)- dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline all play roles. For instance, during mania, dopamine activity appears elevated; during depression, it drops, producing such opposite states. Other causes include abnormalities in circadian rhythm- the body's internal clock, which is why sleep disruption is both a trigger and a symptom of episodes and altered energy regulation. Energy production is heightened in mania and is significantly impaired in depression. There are structural brain differences: Neuroimaging studies of the brain have identified differences in the prefrontal cortex (involved in decision-making and emotional regulation) and the amygdala (the brain's emotional processing centre) in people with bipolar disorder. There is also strong genetic heritability. Bipolar disorder has one of the highest genetic heritability rates of any psychiatric condition, estimated at around 70 to 80%. Having a first-degree relative with the condition significantly increases risk

It is not a personality flaw or weakness, but a measurable brain-based condition.

Common triggers 

Include sleep disruption, stress (positive or negative) is a major trigger, seasonal changes (mania more likely in warmer months, depression in winter), hormonal fluctuations (e.g. premenstrual/ post-partum/ perimenopause), substance use, missed medication, and overstimulation. Recognising early warning signs is key to managing episodes.

With appropriate treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder live full and successful lives. Mood stabilising medications (such as lithium, certain anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics) and specialised therapies like CBT for Bipolar Disorder. 

🍏 A CONCISE SUMMARY OF NUTRITION, LIFESTYLE AND BIPOLAR 

This is an area that deserves far more attention than it typically receives, and one I feel genuinely passionate about. The connection between what we eat, our gut health, and our brain chemistry is increasingly well-established. And for someone with bipolar disorder like myself, getting this right can make a very big difference to the frequency and severity of episodes (alongside conventional medicine) 

Functional medicine

A personalised approach is required, using the functional medicine model - a patient-centered approach, assessing underlying causes and then treating them accordingly in clinic, as opposed to an outdated ‘one size fits all’ approach. For more information about what functional medicine entails, please see this page on my site https://www.eatyourselftohealth.com/functional-medicine

This entails focusing on identifying and addressing root causes for bipolar disorder (please know I can fully explain any relevant info to you in clinic, as this may be a little too technical), such as: inflammation including neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance such as raised dopamine, but also glutamate and histamine, dysregulated calcium signalling, gut imbalances (dysbiosis/leaky gut etc), cortisol imbalances, hormone disruption, nutrient deficiencies, methylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and genetic factors. 

Key foundational strategies include:

Omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA), which are well-researched for reducing depressive symptoms and have been shown to often be low in studies. Maintaining blood sugar stability, as spikes and crashes can worsen mood instability. Every meal is an opportunity to keep things steady. That means building plates around a good source of protein, plenty of fibre-rich vegetables, and healthy fats, and being cautious with refined carbohydrates and sugary foods that drive those spikes. Gut health, given the strong gut-brain connection and its influence on inflammation and neurotransmitters. Magnesium and B vitamins (B12, B6, folate), which support neurotransmitter production, stress regulation, sleep, and methylation. Some people also carry a genetic variant (MTHFR) that makes it harder to process folate from food, which can worsen mood disorders if not addressed. This can be tested for, amongst other genetic imbalances with the field of nutrigenomics (see later). Reducing inflammation through a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet. Research has found elevated inflammatory markers in people during both manic and depressive episodes. Limiting alcohol, as it destabilises mood, disrupts sleep, and interacts with medication. Prioritising sleep, since circadian rhythm disruption is a major trigger for episodes. Regular exercise, which supports brain health, neurotransmitter balance, and reduces episode frequency.

Genetics

Nutrigenomics focuses on personalised nutrition for chronic disease by tailoring diet to an individual’s genetic makeup. For example, it may determine that some people require higher amounts of certain nutrients. Advances in epigenetics show that environmental factors—such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and toxin exposure—can influence gene expression by switching genes on or off. Nutrition and supplements can therefore be used to support functions related to mood, energy, and neurotransmitters. More info on my site here- https://www.eatyourselftohealth.com/copy-of-areas-of-expertise-9

Whilst bipolar disorder is a neurobiological condition, targeted nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and personalised care can meaningfully reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. 

🍏 MY STORY

Family history

I grew up in a family with a lot of mental illness, so I was always a little scared of it hanging over us and especially of developing it. My dad had a breakdown after my parents’ very toxic divorce (my mum left my dad for a fellow dad from my class). And my dad has been hospitalised three times in his life for bipolar depression, so I had a lot of trauma in childhood. His sister (my aunt) lives with schizoaffective disorder – a form of mental illness that is severe - bridging bipolar and schizophrenia. And my Gran (my dad’s mum) had bipolar and sadly died by suicide.

PMDD- a severe form of PMS 

I developed PMDD - premenstrual dysphoric disorder- a severe, chronic, hormone-related mood disorder occurring 1–2 weeks before menstruation, affecting approximately 5% of females. It started at the age of 14 and for 10 days of every month I would retreat into myself despite being otherwise happy and outgoing, ending up depressed and oversensitive. 

Hypomania

In my 30s, I would have very occasional symptoms which I now look back on as being episodes of hypomania. I would feel extremely happy, very confident, productive, capable, full of energy and creativity for a few months. But in the winter I would then feel bleak (plus I still had to deal with the hormonal shifts every month regardless). 

First baby – postpartum psychosis

But it all came to a head when I was pregnant with my first son at 35 (I’m now 51). 

I had suffered miscarriages prior, so I was understandably anxious. And then my husband lost his job just as we were buying a new house. And to make matters worse, our moving date got delayed and ended up being on my due date. 

However, despite a very difficult birth and 4 days on the hospital ward with no sleep, once I’d had my son I was elated. Back home, that rising elation transformed into either feeling wired or horribly anxious with crippling insomnia. And breastfeeding also made me feel odd, like I had taken a stimulant. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone that things were so peculiar. I had a beautiful, much longed-for baby and a new house! I had no clue this was uncontrolled mania, I felt like I was on a run-away train. I had feared getting post-natal depression because of my hormonal sensitivity and so much stress in the lead up, but I never anticipated mania. My symptoms were so extreme. 

Sadly, I developed psychosis after days of sleep deprivation, with a brain fully in overdrive, despite my desire to rest. Eventually confused and very distressed, I called an ambulance and told the crew what I (incorrectly) believed to be true – my son had died in a cot death and the rest of my family in a car crash. 

This led to my being sectioned, beside myself, when my gorgeous son was just 10 days old. I ended up having a horrific experience in a mixed psychiatric ward and being separated from him for over a week. I was then placed in a mother and baby unit for 3 months where the care was negligible (hopefully they have improved since). And I fell into a crippling depression and wanted to take my life. I didn’t understand what had happened to me, it wasn’t explained. 

As it turns out, postpartum psychosis (PP) is a rare, severe, and rapid-onset mental health emergency (1 in 500–1000 births) occurring within days or weeks of childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe mania, depression, and confusion. It requires immediate medical intervention. And it happens in around 20 to 25 percent of women with bipolar. Studies indicate that about 50% of women who experience a first episode of PP go on to develop a bipolar disorder spectrum illness. Postpartum psychosis acts as a severe, often immediate, harbinger of bipolar disorder. 

When I finally came out of hospital, I feared I was a changed person forever. Luckily my knowledge of nutrition and functional medicine got me back on my feet and I also lost the three stone put on from the antipsychotics. I didn’t experience it at all with my second son, although I was advised it was 50-75 percent likely (I had a lot of therapy back then to cope with the worry and the huge trauma). However later in my 40s, I experienced mania again and I was diagnosed with bipolar type one. 

Present day

These days, I take a daily mood stabiliser, but I live a healthy, productive life, even though now I am in the midst of perimenopause, aged 51. And with PMDD no longer blighting my life.  

I put this down to doing a lot of investigative work into my own health and finding the imbalances that were there (see functional medicine above). You can’t change your genes that load the gun, but you can minimise their expression by modifying the environment. I also eat very well, prioritise sleep, stress management, medication and have supportive friends and family.

Since then, I’ve helped many clients with bipolar and it’s extremely rewarding seeing them stay well with nutritional changes, lifestyle modification and treating underlying causes contributing to bipolar relapses. 

I feel very passionate about this subject matter, because there are so many people out there suffering as I once did, that haven’t been given the tools to manage the condition better. It’s a horrific condition if not well controlled and my heart goes out to those feeling its very debilitating impact. 

🎯 The bottom line

Bipolar disorder is real, it is complex, but it is also manageable. The single most important thing is getting an accurate diagnosis, which means being honest and thorough with your doctor about the full range of your experiences, not just the lows.

If you have been treated for depression for years and it has not worked well, it is worth asking your doctor whether bipolar disorder could be a factor. If you have been told you have bipolar disorder and you are struggling, it is worth looking beyond medication alone at the full picture: nutrition, underlying causes, stress, relationships, sleep and support.

Your brain is not broken; however, it does need the right environment to thrive. 

If any of this has resonated with you, please know that you do not have to navigate it alone. Supporting the brain through nutrition is what I do, and there is so much we can work with. Click here to book a chat and we will start wherever feels right for you.

Kirsten

Additional information

Mania typically involves a dramatically reduced need for sleep (sometimes going days with barely any), racing thoughts, pressured speech, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, perhaps hypersexuality, impulsive decisions such as spending large sums of money or making rash relationship choices, and in more severe cases, paranoia or hallucinations.

Hypomania may feel productive or energised but can quickly escalate or crash into depression. Bipolar depression is often severe and debilitating, sometimes involving suicidal thoughts, fatigue, hopelessness, and disrupted sleep. Correct diagnosis is crucial, as antidepressants alone without mood stabilisers can trigger mania.

Depressive phases of bipolar disorder are often the most debilitating part. Unlike the more visible highs, bipolar depression tends to involve profoundly depressed mood, (sometimes sadly even with suicidal ideation and 4% and 19% completing suicide), debilitating fatigue, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness, loss of pleasure in anything, and significantly disrupted sleep, often sleeping too much rather than too little and sometimes inability to properly function. 

Bipolar depression can look very similar to unipolar (standard) depression on the surface, but it responds differently to treatment. Antidepressants alone, without a mood stabiliser, can trigger a manic episode in someone with bipolar disorder, which is one of the reasons getting the correct diagnosis matters so much.