BIPOLAR DISORDER
Oakville Mission 
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. This includes euphoric highs full of energy (referred to as mania or hypomania) and extreme lows causing severe depression, feelings of hopeless and an inability find pleasure in activities. These shifts in mood can happen several times a week or just a few times a year.
Manic Episode
- Persistent elevated, expansive, or irritable mood for at least one week.
- At least three of the following symptoms are present during mood disturbance
- inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- decreased need for sleep
- increased talkativeness
- flight of ideas or racing thoughts
- distractibility
- increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation
- increase in risky behavior
- Level of severity sufficient to cause social or occupational impairment, hospitalization, or psychotic features.
Depressive Episode
- At least five of the following symptoms present during a two-week period nearly every day; at least one symptom is either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure most of the day
- diminished interest in nearly all activities most of the day
- significant change in weight or appetite
- insomnia or hypersomnia
- psychomotor agitation or retardation
- fatigue or decreased energy
- inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts
- Symptoms don't meet criteria for a Mixed Episode.
- Symptoms cause significant social/occupational impairment or distress.
- Symptoms are not due to a substance or medical condition.
- Symptoms are not better accounted for by Bereavement.
Additional Resources
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba is a non-profit organization that operates throughout Manitoba, supporting those affected by mood disorders, their friends, families, caregivers and supporters.
Bipolar Disorder Connect is a free app that will connect you with a community of people living with bipolar disorder. It's a place to discuss treatments, start conversations, and learn from others.
The Bipolar Disorder Guide is an app you can purchase that provides information to help you understand the condition. It will provide you with tools to help cope with the ups and downs of bipolar condition with the goal of improving quality of life.