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VA » Health Care » Mental Health » Bipolar » Bipolar

Mental Health

Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar and the COVID-19 pandemic

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Living with bipolar disorder or related conditions requires being a full and active participant in your own treatment. That’s especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can bring about some new challenges in managing your recovery. Learn more about managing these challenges here.

Overview

Veterans with bipolar disorder can experience a range of symptoms, including noticeable swings in energy, mood, or hours of sleep needed. Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of unusually elevated, high energy lasting for at least several days (manic or hypomanic episodes), often accompanied by an overly good mood. Manic or hypomanic episodes are often followed by longer periods of low, depressed mood (depressive episodes).

Bipolar Episodes

Manic and hypomanic episodes include symptoms such as feelings of extreme energy and increases in mood, self-esteem, talkativeness, and activity level. Often, those experiencing manic or hypomanic episodes will have little need for sleep, as well as trouble turning off the racing thoughts in their minds. Many also report greater irritability during such times. This change in mood and behavior occurs for at least several days straight and is often very noticeable to others.

Episodes of depression include symptoms such as feeling sad or hopeless, having trouble concentrating, experiencing changes in sleep or appetite, and losing pleasure or interest in usual activities. These periods last for at least a few weeks and can make it hard to complete daily tasks.

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above on a regular basis, then you may have bipolar disorder.

Seek Care at VA

Learn about available VA treatment options

Learn about available VA programs

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Find support anytime day or night

If these symptoms lead to thoughts of death or suicide, it’s important you talk to someone right away. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In Veterans’ Own Words

Listen as Veterans describe living with bipolar disorder and finding treatment that works. Racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and emotional ups and downs sometimes made their lives difficult. With professional support, they discovered ways to manage symptoms and succeed.

View more videos on Make the Connection.