Bipolar stories Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, causes dramatic mood swings, different from the normal ups and downs most of us experience. We asked a group of people with bipolar to tell us about living with the condition. Would they get rid of it if they could?

These short films feature eight people with bipolar disorder. We asked six questions about how they first felt when they were diagnosed, their experiences of mania, depression and getting treatment, and whether they'd push a magic button and get rid of the condition if they could.

What were your first thoughts when you realised you had bipolar disorder? (2.22 minutes)
"It was a hook to hang things on … but it didn’t also represent all of what I am."

Are there positive things about having bipolar disorder? (2.49 minutes)
"Without bipolar disorder I know I would not have my creative ability."

What does depression feel like? (2.44 minutes)
"My son said I couldn’t talk, that was the worst. I couldn’t communicate."

What does mania feel like? (2.50 minutes)
"You get strength that you've never had before and you lose inhibition."

Which treatment really worked for you? (2.27 minutes)
"I’m lucky to be one of roughly a third of people who responds well to lithium."

If you could push a magic button and make the condition disappear - would you push it? (1.56 minutes)
"I think we all have a journey in life and this is part of mine."

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