Advice booklet Download the Secret Life booklet. It takes a detailed look at the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder, medical treatments and how to self-manage the condition successfully.

PDF file - The Secret Life of Manic Depression: Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder, 24 pages (365 Kb).

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Bipolar disorder affects more than half a million people in the UK across all age groups. It's a serious illness, but with the help of family, friends, support groups and health professionals, it can be managed successfully.

What’s the booklet about?

It explains what bipolar disorder is - what the symptoms are and how it’s diagnosed. A diagnosis of bipolar has to be made by a doctor, but the booklet looks at how you gain insight into the condition. It suggests practical ways to self-manage bipolar, and people with bipolar describe their experiences. The booklet includes an overview of the medical treatments available.

Who’s the booklet aimed at?

It’s aimed at people confronting the realities of a bipolar diagnosis, as well as offering support and advice for family, friends and carers.

Who's the booklet written by?

The author is Michel Syrett, a past chair and founding trustee of MDF The BiPolar Organisation, the UK’s main charity representing people with a bipolar diagnosis and their supporters. He himself has bipolar disorder and cared for his father, who also had the condition, for 15 years.

Where can I get more information?

The booklet has a list of organisations offering local advice and support across the UK. Other useful contacts are listed in this section of BBC Health.