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When the highs and lows feel out of your control

Bipolar Disorder Support Across The North East

Specialist therapy to help you understand your condition and build strategies for stability.

  • 44 Practitioners
  • 6 North East clinics
  • Free First Pathway call

Understanding bipolar disorder

Bipolar is more than mood swings. It is a cycle with its own logic.

Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania, where mood, energy, and activity are significantly elevated, and episodes of depression, where they drop. Between these poles, many people experience periods of relative stability, but the unpredictability of the cycle is one of the most challenging aspects to live with.

There are different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes that can be severe and disruptive. Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes, which are less intense, alongside depressive episodes. Cyclothymia involves a more persistent pattern of milder highs and lows over two or more years.

Therapy cannot change the biology of bipolar disorder, but it can change how a person understands and responds to it. Learning to recognise early warning signs, maintain consistent routines, and manage the relational effects of mood episodes makes a real difference to quality of life.

Common signs

How bipolar disorder shows up, and what can help

Common signs

  • Elevated mood, high energy, and very little sleep needed
  • Impulsive decisions or risky behaviour during manic episodes
  • Deep low mood, fatigue, and withdrawing from others
  • Rapid mood shifts without a clear external cause
  • Racing thoughts and talking much faster than usual
  • Difficulty completing tasks or following through on plans
  • Irritability or agitation rather than happiness during highs
  • Periods of stability followed by sudden episode onset

Therapies that can help

Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:

The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with bipolar disorder, at your chosen location.

A simple first move

Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.

Request a callback

Who you might work with

Therapists with expertise in supporting people with bipolar disorder

Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.

When to reach out

You do not have to manage bipolar disorder alone.

Whether you have a diagnosis or are beginning to recognise a recurring pattern of mood episodes, support is available. You do not need to wait for a crisis before reaching out.

The Pathway Team at Select Psychology can help you understand your options and find the right therapist for where you are right now. A free Pathway call is the place to start.

Where we offer this

Support for bipolar disorder across the North East

Select Psychology Tynemouth clinic, coastal view

Tynemouth

1 Tynemouth Road, NE30 4AY

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Select Psychology Newcastle Gosforth clinic

Newcastle

The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Regent Centre, NE3 3PF

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Questions before you start

What people usually ask

1 What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition characterised by episodes of mania or hypomania, where mood and energy are significantly elevated, and episodes of depression, where they drop. Between episodes, many people function well. There are several types: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia, which vary in the intensity and pattern of mood episodes.

2 Can therapy help alongside medication for bipolar disorder?

Yes. Medication is often the foundation of bipolar treatment, but therapy plays an important role alongside it. CBT for bipolar helps people recognise early warning signs of episodes, develop strategies to manage mood shifts, and address the impact of the condition on daily life and relationships. Many people find the combination of medication and therapy significantly more effective than either alone.

3 Will I have bipolar disorder for life?

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, but that does not mean it will always affect you in the same way. Many people experience fewer and less severe episodes over time, particularly with consistent support. The goal of treatment is not to eliminate mood variation entirely but to reduce the impact of episodes on your life and help you build stability.

4 How do I know if I have bipolar disorder rather than depression?

Bipolar disorder is often initially mistaken for depression, because depressive episodes tend to be more frequent and more memorable than manic ones. The key distinction is the presence of elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behaviour during highs. Only a qualified professional can make a formal diagnosis, but if you recognise this pattern, it is worth discussing with a therapist or your GP.

In the meantime

Small things that can help right now.

  • Keep a mood diary to spot patterns early
  • Protect your sleep: disruption can trigger episodes
  • Maintain a consistent daily routine where possible
  • Limit alcohol, which can destabilise mood significantly
  • Tell someone you trust about your early warning signs

From the blog

Helpful reading on this

Get in touch

Ready to feel heard?

Leave your details and a member of our Pathway Team will be in touch, usually within one working day. Or call us directly on 0191 258 0008.

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