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If you or someone you know is living with bipolar disorder, it’s important to remember that support is available and no one has to face this experience alone.
Living with Bipolar
When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I wasn’t sure whether I had gained a superpower or been cursed with a mental plague. During the highs—known as mania—I experienced a surge of energy, creativity, and an almost laser‑like focus that allowed me to take on complex tasks with inhuman confidence. But these highs were inevitably followed by lows, during which depression clouded my mind and even simple tasks, like brushing my teeth, felt impossible.
After much trial and error, I am now on medication that keeps me relatively stable with minimal side effects. My oscillations between mania and depression have not only shaped my personal life but also reflect a long history of misunderstanding and mistreatment that people with bipolar have faced. As part of Disability History Month, I want to share how perspectives on bipolar have evolved, highlight notable historical figures who may have lived with it, and discuss how the condition affects me as both a student and employee—and what colleagues can do to help create a supportive environment.
A Historical Perspective
For centuries, people showing signs of what we now recognise as bipolar disorder were labelled as “mad,” “hysterical,” or even “possessed.” Treatments prior to the 20th century were often harsh and inhumane. In the 18th and 19th centuries, individuals experiencing “mania” or “melancholia” were routinely institutionalised in overcrowded asylums. Restraint, isolation, purging, and bloodletting were common practices.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more extreme and experimental treatments emerged. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and insulin coma therapy were used widely—often without consent. Even surgical interventions such as lobotomies were performed on people exhibiting severe mood disorders. While ECT can be effective today when administered safely and ethically, historically, its use was traumatic and poorly understood.
The terminology has changed too. What was once known as “manic‑depressive illness” is now formally recognised as bipolar disorder—a shift that reflects greater understanding that these mood swings are part of a complex medical condition rather than a personal failing or weakness.
Influential Figures Who Lived with Bipolar
Despite the challenges associated with bipolar disorder, many individuals throughout history have made extraordinary contributions to culture, politics, literature, and science. Virginia Woolf, the groundbreaking writer; Vincent van Gogh, whose art defined an era; Ernest Hemingway, whose novels remain globally influential; and Catherine Zeta‑Jones, who has spoken openly about her diagnosis—all demonstrate that living with bipolar does not diminish a person’s creativity, intelligence, or impact.
Even Albert Einstein has been speculated to have had undiagnosed bipolar disorder, although this remains conjecture. Whether confirmed or not, these figures emphasise that mental health challenges do not overshadow brilliance or worth—they simply form part of a person’s lived experience.
Professional and Academic Challenges
Living with bipolar in both professional and academic environments presents unique challenges. As someone who is both an employee and a student at the University, I see how my condition affects me in both spaces.
Most of the time, my struggles are not outwardly visible. Regulating my mood takes significant energy. If I begin to feel myself running high, I have to consciously slow down and rest to avoid escalating into full‑blown mania—something that can be destructive. Conversely, when I feel myself dipping into depression, I must push myself to get out of bed, shower, and keep moving, otherwise the low can deepen quickly.
Balancing all this with deadlines, exams, and two jobs is exhausting. Stress and lack of sleep—the two biggest triggers for nearly everyone with bipolar—are unfortunately common in student and working life. In the past, when I was dysregulated, I would become a “superhero” at work and university—studying constantly, taking on additional projects, meeting deadlines at lightning speed. But eventually, the pressure would become too much and coincide with a downward shift in mood. Suddenly, attending university or work became overwhelming, and the quality of my work suffered.
Fortunately, I now have a supportive line manager who works closely with me to ensure my workload is manageable and flexible around my studies and mental health. As a result, the difficult periods described above have become far less frequent.
Still, I often fear others discovering that I have bipolar and doubting my reliability or capability. Misconceptions can lead people to make unfair assumptions about motivation or competence. This is why awareness, education, and empathy are so important.
How Students Can Make a Difference
There are practical ways students and universities can foster a supportive environment:
Open communication: Encouraging honest conversations about mental health—while respecting privacy—helps people feel safe and supported.
Flexibility: Offering adaptable working hours, extended deadlines, or remote work options can make a huge difference.
Awareness of triggers: Stress, poor sleep, or chaotic work environments can exacerbate symptoms. Being mindful and accommodating is key.
Support, not pity: Genuine support validates someone’s experience without patronising them.
Even small gestures—checking in with a kind word, being patient with occasional unpredictability, or simply listening—can have a profound impact on someone living with bipolar.
Reflections and Hope
Reflecting on the historical context of bipolar disorder—from inhumane treatments to improved scientific understanding, from intense stigma to increasing advocacy—reminds me that progress is possible. Our universities, societies, and relationships can continue to evolve toward greater inclusivity and empathy.
Living with bipolar is part of who I am, but it does not define my potential or my contribution. By educating ourselves, challenging stigma, and fostering supportive environments, we can make the journey easier for everyone who walks a similar path.
Conclusion and Further Support
If you or someone you know is living with bipolar disorder, it’s important to remember that support is available and no one has to face this experience alone. Organisations such as Bipolar UK, which provides peer support groups, a dedicated online community, and one‑to‑one peer support, can be invaluable. The NHS Mental Health Services offer guidance on treatment options and how to access professional care, while Mind and Rethink Mental Illness provide clear, compassionate information and advocacy.
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and connecting with these resources can make a meaningful difference.
If you would like to learn more about bipolar and how you can support colleagues and friends with bipolar, check out the free online e-learning from Bipolar UK here.
For additional support check out the useful links below or reach out to the Disability Staff Network or Neurodiverse Staff Network, collectively they have a wealth of experience and share what has worked for them.
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