Bipolar Disorder
Everyone has emotional ups and downs. But for someone living with bipolar disorder, mood changes can feel much more intense, last longer, and begin to affect sleep, energy, relationships, work, school, and daily life. Bipolar disorder is not a personality flaw or a sign that someone is “too emotional”. It is a mental health condition that can be understood, treated, and managed with the right support.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, sleep, activity levels, and decision-making.
It involves episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood, known as mania or hypomania, and often episodes of depression. These episodes are different from ordinary mood swings. They tend to last longer, feel more intense, and affect daily life.
You may notice changes in:
- Sleep
- Energy
- Motivation
- Confidence
- Spending or risk-taking
- Relationships
- Work or school
- Concentration
- Thoughts about yourself or the future
Bipolar I vs Bipolar II
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
Bipolar I
Bipolar II
Involves at least one manic episode
Involves at least one hypomanic episode and at least one depressive episode
Mania is more intense and can significantly affect daily life, relationships, work, or safety
Hypomania is less intense than mania, but still noticeable and different from the person’s usual mood
A manic episode may require hospital care or include psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations
Hypomania does not usually cause the same level of severe impairment as mania
Depressive episodes often occur, but are not required for diagnosis
Depression is a key part of Bipolar II and can sometimes be the most distressing part
May be easier to recognise because mania can be more obvious
Can be harder to recognise because hypomania may be mistaken for simply feeling productive, confident, or energetic
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a manic episode typically lasts at least 7 days, or may require hospital care if symptoms are severe. A hypomanic episode lasts at least 4 days and is usually less severe than mania, but it is still a noticeable change from the person’s usual mood, energy, activity level, or behaviour.
A common misunderstanding is that Bipolar II is a “milder” version of Bipolar I. This is not necessarily true. While hypomania is less severe than mania, the depressive episodes in Bipolar II can be very painful and disruptive. Both types deserve proper assessment, care, and support.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience more depressive episodes, while others may have more noticeable periods of mania or hypomania. These symptoms are not just ordinary mood changes. They tend to last longer, feel more intense, and affect daily functioning.
During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may experience:
- Feeling unusually energetic, “high”, restless, or irritable
- Needing much less sleep than usual but still feeling energised
- Talking more quickly or more than usual
- Racing thoughts or jumping from one idea to another
- Feeling unusually confident, powerful, or invincible
- Taking more risks, such as overspending, reckless driving, impulsive decisions, or unsafe behaviour
- Becoming easily distracted
- Taking on many plans or projects at once
- Feeling like they cannot slow down
- Becoming more socially outgoing, talkative, or sexually impulsive than usual
During a depressive episode, a person may experience:
- Feeling persistently low, empty, hopeless, or numb
- Losing interest in things they usually enjoy
- Feeling tired, heavy, or slowed down
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawing from friends, family, work, or school
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden
- Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling physically agitated
- Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
What causes bipolar disorder?
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. It usually develops from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Some factors that may contribute include:
- Family history or genetic vulnerability
- Differences in how the brain regulates mood, sleep and energy
- High stress or major life changes
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Substance use
- Trauma or prolonged emotional stress
- Certain medications or medical conditions that may affect mood.
These factors do not mean someone will definitely develop bipolar disorder. They may increase vulnerability, especially during stressful periods.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
A qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, should assess bipolar disorder
A clinician may ask about:
- Your mood history
- Sleep and energy changes
- Periods of depression
- Times when you felt unusually energised or irritable
- Risk-taking or impulsive behaviour
- Family mental health history
- Medical history
- Substance use, medications, or physical health conditions
- Whether symptoms happen in episodes or feel more constant
A careful assessment matters because bipolar disorder can overlap with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma-related difficulties, and borderline personality disorder.
When To Seek Help
It may be time to seek professional support if mood changes are affecting your relationships, work, school, sleep, finances, safety, or sense of self.
You should seek help if you or someone you care about is:
- Sleeping very little but feeling unusually energised
- Acting more impulsively or taking risks that feel out of character
- Feeling unusually irritable, agitated, or emotionally “sped up”
- Experiencing repeated periods of depression
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Hearing or seeing things others do not
- Feeling out of control or unable to slow down
- Experiencing mood changes that others have noticed or expressed concern about
If there is immediate risk of harm, it is important to seek urgent support through emergency services or the nearest hospital.
Can PTSD Be Prevented
Yes, sometimes PTSD can be prevented or reduced significantly, particularly with the help of strong support systems and early intervention.
One of the most effective therapeutic approaches is trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been found to reduce the risk of chronic PTSD if delivered promptly after the traumatic event.
Moreover, strong social support is linked to better outcomes after trauma. Resilience training, particularly for high-risk groups, can also be beneficial.
How Can Us Help You?
At Us, we understand that healing from these traumas is not a standard method; we work to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to process your experiences and work towards recovery.
With the help of the DSM-5, clinicians will review the criteria to check whether your circumstances meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.
However, even if an individual does not meet the exact criteria for a diagnosis, they can still receive treatment for their symptoms. We work alongside evidence-based techniques and will collaborate with you to determine what works best for you and your unique journey.
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, helps individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours affect one another. For bipolar disorder, CBT may support individuals in managing depressive thoughts, recognising unhelpful patterns, reducing avoidance, and developing coping strategies that support mood stability.
CBT can also help people notice thinking patterns that may appear during elevated moods, such as overconfidence, impulsive decision-making, or feeling that sleep is no longer necessary.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, or DBT, can be helpful for individuals who experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviours, relationship difficulties, or distress that feels hard to manage in the moment.
DBT focuses on building practical skills in four main areas: managing strong emotions, tolerating distress without making things worse, improving relationships, and becoming more aware of thoughts and feelings in the present moment.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, often called IPSRT, focuses on the connection between mood, relationships, sleep, and daily routines.
IPSRT helps individuals build more consistent daily rhythms and understand how interpersonal difficulties may influence their wellbeing. This may include having regular sleep and wake times, keeping meals consistent, balancing activity and rest, and noticing how social or relationship stress affects mood.
Family-Focused Therapy
Bipolar disorder can affect the whole support system, not just the individual. Family-Focused Therapy helps the person and their loved ones better understand the condition, communicate more clearly, and respond more effectively during mood changes.
This approach usually includes education about bipolar disorder, communication skills, and problem-solving. Family members may learn how to recognise early warning signs, how to offer support without criticism or blame, and how to respond if symptoms begin to escalate.
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$325
Principal Psychologist
$305
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$277
Educational Psychologist
$277
Clinical Psychologist
$251
Senior Counsellor
$251
Counsellor
$185
Associate Counsellor
$120
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Bipolar Disorder
Is bipolar disorder the same as having mood swings?
No. Everyone experiences changes in mood, but bipolar disorder involves mood episodes that are more intense, last longer, and affect daily functioning. These episodes may involve depression, mania, or hypomania, and can impact sleep, energy, decision-making, relationships, work, or school.
Can bipolar disorder be treated?
Yes. Bipolar disorder can be managed with the right support. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, sleep management, and support from loved ones. Many people with bipolar disorder are able to live meaningful and fulfilling lives with proper care.
Do I need medication for bipolar disorder?
Medication is often an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder, especially for stabilising mood and reducing the risk of relapse. A psychiatrist or medical doctor can help assess whether medication may be appropriate. Therapy can work alongside medication by helping with coping strategies, routines, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention.
Can therapy help with bipolar disorder?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals understand their mood patterns, recognise early warning signs, manage stress, improve relationships, and develop practical coping tools. Approaches such as psychoeducation, CBT, DBT skills, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy may be helpful depending on the person’s needs.
What should I do if I think I may have bipolar disorder?
If you notice periods of unusually elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, impulsive behaviour, or recurring depression, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. A proper assessment can help clarify what may be happening and what support would be most appropriate.