Home » Therapy » Personality disorder » Bipolar disorder

Moods can fluctuate from time to time, but if there is a persistent

pattern that is affecting your quality of life, help is available.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness involving extreme swings in mood, energy and activity levels. These fluctuations result in periods of manic (or hypomanic) and depressive episodes.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including type 1, type 2, and cyclothymia. Each type has different levels of severity and durations of manic and depressive periods. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 50 adults in Canada endorse symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk


Our counsellors

Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.

What causes bipolar disorder?

A combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors can cause bipolar disorder. There is a strong genetic component, as the risk increases if a close relative has the disorder. Biological factors include changes in brain structure and chemical imbalances. Environmental factors such as stressful life events can trigger the disorder in genetically prone individuals. Hormonal imbalances can also play a role. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that requires professional treatment.


Book a meeting

Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary, but include:

  1. Manic Episodes: Here you often experience excessive energy, activity and restlessness with extremely elevated mood or irritability. Individuals may feel like they require less sleep, and may present with rapid speech. They may have racing thoughts and be distractable. Individuals may also have an exaggerated belief in their own abilities. Risky behaviours such as impulsive spending or risky sexual behaviours are also common.
  2. Hypomanic Episodes: Similar to manic episodes but less severe and less disruptive to everyday life. However, they can still lead to noticeable changes in behaviour and mood.
  3. Depressive Episodes: Prolonged sadness, hopelessness or emptiness with loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. There may be changes in weight and appetite and problems sleeping (too much or too little). Restlessness or sluggishness is common, as is fatigue or lack of energy. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or unfair guilt, difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide are common.

Bipolar disorder often involves cycles of these mood swings, which vary in length and intensity. Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder should be handled by a qualified health professional. You can get a referral from your family doctor.

Treatment of bipolar disorder

At this time, Lavendla does not diagnose or treat bipolar disorder. Treatment usually includes medication, but also psychological treatment. Family members may also receive support as part of the treatment. In addition, it is important to adapt the therapy to the individual’s specific needs and situation, and to take into account lifestyle factors. If you have bipolar disorder, routines, avoiding alcohol, working on your sleep, exercising regularly and managing stress are key. You should also have regular check ups with your healthcare team. It is possible to live a normal life with bipolar disorder.

Treatment may include inpatient psychiatric admissions during periods of increased symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing manic behaviour or suicidal thoughts, you can call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.


Why Lavendla?

4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews

Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.

Choose your own counsellor

Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.

45, 60 or 90 min sessions

Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.

Being a relative of someone with bipolar disorder

It is important to get knowledge and information about the illness yourself if you are a family member. You can also offer emotional support, but remember that you are not a substitute for qualified care. There are also family groups and educational courses that can be helpful, often provided by specialist psychiatric services or non-profit associations. It is also good to be aware of heredity and take care of yourself if you are the child of someone with bipolar disorder.

We make the difficult easier

Approaching the topic of bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but we are here to make the difficult easier. When you feel it’s time to talk to a psychologist or therapist, you can easily book a session with us. No matter when you take the step, our experienced team is always ready to help you or your loved ones.


12 frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with alternating periods of depression and mania or a mixture of the two. These alternations can be so extreme that they disrupt a person’s daily life and functioning.

How common is bipolar disorder?

About 1% of the Canadian population has bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme swings in mood, energy and activity levels. These fluctuations result in periods of manic (or hypomanic) and depressive episodes.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is when a person has difficulty distinguishing between what is reality and what is not. Psychosis is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom that can occur in various mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, major depression, or as a result of certain medical conditions or substance use.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. There is a strong hereditary component although other factors such as biology, life events and hormones also have an impact.

What are the treatment options for bipolar disorder?

Treatment usually includes medication, but also psychological treatment. Family members may also receive support as part of the treatment. It is also important to take into account lifestyle factors and have regular follow-up.

Are there different forms of bipolar disorder?

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including type 1, type 2, and cyclothymia, depending on the severity and duration of manic and depressive periods. Type 1 is the more severe form while type 2 is milder.

Can you recover from bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, but with the right treatment and follow up you can have a high quality of life.

Is there a link between creativity and bipolar disorder?

Yes, a link between bipolar disorder and creativity has been suggested and there is research to support this. However, this does not mean that all people with bipolar disorder have increased creativity.

What can I do as a family member of someone with bipolar disorder?

The most important step is to encourage the person to seek professional help. You can also offer emotional support, but remember that you are not a substitute for qualified care. There are also family groups and courses that can be helpful. It is also good to be aware of heredity and take care of yourself if you are the child of someone with bipolar disorder.

Can you force someone to go to therapy?

No, you can’t force someone to undergo therapeutic treatment. A person needs to understand that they need to work on themselves. However, if your loved one is unable to care for themselves or poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, they may need to be admitted to the hospital involuntarily temporarily. This decision is made by a doctor. If you are concerned for a loved one with bipolar disorder, call 911.

Where can I go if I or someone I know has symptoms of bipolar disorder?

To get help, you should go to your family doctor or walk-in clinic to get a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. Help is available. If you have acute symptoms, you can call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.