Bipolar depression is one aspect of one type of mood disorder on the depression spectrum. There are also subtypes of bipolar disorder that include bipolar depression as a symptom. Let’s go over the basics of what it is but also dig deeper into some things that you might want to know about living with bipolar depression.
Scroll down for a list of 35 books, movies, and podcasts about bipolar depression.
What Is Bipolar Depression?
Bipolar depression is the “depressed” phase of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience periods of elevated or “manic” mood, as well as periods of depression. These periods of elevated mood are called “mania” or “hypomania” depending on their severity.
During a manic episode, individuals may experience the following symptoms:
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech
- Reduced need for sleep
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
- Irritability or agitation
- Poor judgment
- Delusions or hallucinations (in some cases)
And then there’s the depression aspect of bipolar disorder….
Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
The most prevalent symptoms of bipolar depression are:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Irritability or restlessness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Agitation or psychomotor retardation
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or pain
- Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction
- Difficulty functioning in work or social situations
- Memory problems or cognitive deficits
Types of Bipolar Depression
There aren’t necessarily specific types of bipolar depression. However, there are different types of bipolar disorder. People can experience depression when living with any of these types:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by one or more manic or mixed episodes, which may be followed by one or more depressive episodes. During a manic episode, the individual may experience symptoms such as extreme euphoria, grandiosity, and impaired judgment. In severe cases, manic episodes may require hospitalization.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes, as well as at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, which may involve symptoms such as increased energy and productivity, decreased need for sleep, and heightened creativity. However, hypomanic episodes do not typically involve the severe impairment or hospitalization that can occur with full-blown manic episodes.
Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is another type of bipolar disorder that is characterized by frequent episodes of hypomania and depression that do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder.
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder
This type of bipolar disorder involves experiencing four or more mood episodes (manic, hypomanic, or depressive) within a 12-month period. Some individuals with rapid cycling bipolar disorder may experience mood episodes more frequently than this.
Mixed features bipolar disorder
This type of bipolar disorder involves experiencing symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression at the same time, or in rapid sequence. Individuals with mixed features bipolar disorder may feel depressed but also have increased energy levels and/or racing thoughts.
Substance/medication-induced bipolar disorder
Some substances or medications can cause symptoms of mania/hypomania or depression in individuals who do not have a history of bipolar disorder. This can include drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or amphetamines, as well as certain medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroids.
What Is It Actually Like Living With Bipolar Depression?
Living with bipolar depression can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. There are times when you may feel extremely down, hopeless, and have no motivation to do anything. You may struggle to get out of bed, take care of yourself, or engage in activities that you once enjoyed. These periods of depression can last for weeks or even months at a time.
On the other hand, there are times when you will feel on top of the world, full of energy and enthusiasm. You may be more productive, creative, and social during these periods, but you’ll also tend to engage in risky behaviors and make impulsive decisions.
Living with bipolar depression can also be challenging in terms of relationships and daily life. Mood swings can make it difficult to maintain stable relationships with friends and family. You may isolate myself during depressive episodes. Your work or school performance may suffer, and you may struggle to concentrate or complete tasks.
What Is The Best Therapy for Bipolar Depression?
Everyone is unique and may find different therapy to help them. However, here are some of the most common therapy options for bipolar depression:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): This therapy focuses on stabilizing daily routines and social rhythms, which can help regulate mood and prevent mood episodes. IPSRT also emphasizes improving interpersonal relationships, which can be strained during mood episodes.
- Family-focused therapy (FFT): FFT can ahelp family members understand and manage the effects of bipolar disorder on the family dynamic.
- Mindfulness-based therapies: These can help individuals with bipolar depression develop mindfulness skills to manage negative thoughts and emotions and improve overall well-being.
- Animal-assisted therapy: This therapy has been found to help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase socialization in some individuals with bipolar depression.
Learn more here about how therapy helps treat mood disorders including bipolar depression. Browse our therapist directory today to find someone who can help you if you experience bipolar depression.
Additional Interesting Facts About Bipolar Depression
- Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of the U.S. adult population, or about 5.7 million people.
- The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years old.
- Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally.
- Bipolar disorder is more prevalent in those with a family history of the condition.
- Approximately 25-50% of individuals with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime.
- The lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders in individuals with bipolar disorder is estimated to be around 60%.
- Up to 70% of individuals with bipolar disorder experience some form of anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime.
- Approximately 50% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a co-occurring medical condition, such as cardiovascular disease or thyroid dysfunction.
- Bipolar disorder is commonly misdiagnosed as major depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia.
- Individuals with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for developing other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Resources for Learning About Bipolar Depression
Here are some resources that you might want to check out if you’d like to learn more about bipolar depression:
Books about Bipolar Depression
- “An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness” by Kay Redfield Jamison
- “The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know” by David J. Miklowitz
- “Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir” by Ellen Forney
- “Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families” by Francis Mark Mondimore
- “Madness: A Bipolar Life” by Marya Hornbacher
- “The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings” by Monica Ramirez Basco
- “Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament” by Kay Redfield Jamison
- “Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You…That You Need to Know” by John McManamy
- “Manic: A Memoir” by Terri Cheney
- “The Dark Side of Innocence: Growing Up Bipolar” by Terri Cheney
- “Bipolar 101: A Practical Guide to Identifying Triggers, Managing Medications, Coping with Symptoms, and More” by Ruth C. White
- “The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book: Professional Answers to More than 275 Top Questions” by Charles Atkins
Movies about Bipolar Depression
Here are some films and documentaries that are about bipolar disorder and bipolar depression.
- “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012) – This movie follows the story of a man with bipolar disorder who is trying to rebuild his life after a stint in a mental health institution.
- “Infinitely Polar Bear” (2014) – This movie is based on the true story of a man with bipolar disorder who tries to raise his two young daughters while his wife attends graduate school.
- “Call Me Crazy: A Five Film” (2013) – This movie is an anthology of five short films that explore different mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.
- “Mr. Jones” (2013) – This movie is based on the true story of a man with bipolar disorder who becomes a renowned writer and journalist.
- “Canvas” (2006) – This movie follows the story of a family dealing with the challenges of a mother’s bipolar disorder.
- “Mad Love” (1995) – This movie tells the story of a young woman with bipolar disorder who falls in love with a troubled young man.
- “Michael Clayton” (2007) – This movie is a legal thriller that features a character with bipolar disorder.
- “David’s Child” (2011) – This movie is a documentary that tells the story of a man with bipolar disorder and his journey to find peace and stability. It features interviews with mental health professionals and individuals with bipolar disorder.
- “Up/Down” (2011) – This documentary explores the lives of several individuals living with bipolar disorder, and features interviews with mental health professionals and experts.
- “Ride the Tiger: A Guide Through the Bipolar Brain” (2016) – This documentary provides an in-depth look at bipolar disorder, featuring interviews with individuals living with the condition, as well as leading experts in the field.
- “Of Two Minds” (2012) – This documentary tells the story of three individuals living with bipolar disorder, and explores the challenges they face in managing their condition and seeking treatment.
- “Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive” (2006) – This documentary features British actor and comedian Stephen Fry discussing his own experiences with bipolar disorder, as well as interviews with other individuals living with the condition.
- “A Summer in the Cage” (2007) – This documentary follows the story of a young man with bipolar disorder as he prepares for a mixed martial arts competition.
Podcasts about Bipolar Depression
- “Bipolar Style” – This podcast is hosted by a woman living with bipolar disorder, and features interviews with other individuals with the condition, as well as mental health professionals and experts.
- “Not Crazy” – This podcast is hosted by Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and features interviews with mental health experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience.
- “The Bipolar Battle” – This podcast is hosted by a man living with bipolar disorder, and features personal stories and insights, as well as interviews with mental health professionals and experts.
- “A Bipolar, a Schizophrenic, and a Podcast” – This podcast is co-hosted by a woman with bipolar disorder and a man with schizophrenia, and explores their experiences with mental illness, as well as issues related to mental health and society.
- “Bipolar UK Podcast” – This podcast is produced by Bipolar UK, a national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with bipolar disorder, and features interviews with mental health experts, as well as personal stories and insights.
- “Bipolar and Surviving” – This podcast is hosted by a woman living with bipolar disorder, and features personal stories and insights, as well as interviews with mental health professionals and experts.
- “The Depression Files” – While not specifically focused on bipolar disorder, this podcast explores a wide range of mental health topics, including depression and mood disorders.
- “The Bipolar Family Podcast” – This podcast is hosted by a woman whose husband has bipolar disorder, and features interviews with mental health professionals, as well as personal stories and insights from individuals with bipolar disorder and their families.
- “The Bipolar Network News Podcast” – This podcast is produced by the International Bipolar Foundation, and features interviews with mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals living with bipolar disorder.
- “The Hilarious World of Depression” – While not specifically focused on bipolar disorder, this podcast features interviews with comedians and other public figures who have experienced depression, including episodes on bipolar depression.
Disclaimer: This article was written in large part by ChatGPT. However, it was reviewed, edited, and supplemented by a human with graduate level education in psychology.