Living with bipolar 1 from the age of 16 meant living with deep depressions, of which suicidal thoughts were a part. Being able to safely share these with family and psychiatrists in the past saved my life and helped me hold on in the dark moments of bipolar episodes. I am not alone in feeling this way- millions are struggling now, today. Medication, therapy and support keep me well.
So today I read from my essay in this very special book to tell you- ‘You will feel the sun and smell the rain again, even after suicidal depressions when you lay in bed wanting to disappear. ‘
Please reach for help when you start getting these thoughts and hold on- a better day is coming. Helpline numbers includingSamaritans at 116 123 are available if you need to talk and feel in crisis.
I also know the devastation of losing a loved one to suicide and conversely, to help people through these thoughts. Their stories are not my own so I am not sharing them today but I hope that today and every day we focus on suicide prevention and support for all who are struggling.
Shana Tova U’Metuka, a happy and sweet new Jewish year to everyone celebrating and marking Rosh Hashana this weekend. Rosh Hashana is an important Jewish festival where we gather with family and friends, pray at synagogue or home and reflect on our relationship with G-d and what we need to change in the coming year ahead. It’s also time to ask for things, to dream and to plan- oh and to eat honey cake or apple and honey for a sweet year too!
This year has had many blessings but also many difficult moments that I will reveal at the right time. So, I pray for a happy, healthy, sweet, prosperous, joyous New Year with all dreams manifesting if meant to be. I am grateful to still be running this blog after a decade and to be able to share my thoughts and emotions here. I am grateful for all my blessings- 2016 me who set up this blog would not quite have believed what happened in the past 10 years!
Thank you all for reading this blog and for supporting it. We are here to help people feel less alone, to promote recovery and healing and good treatment for all who live with mental illness or are in remission from episodes.
If you are struggling with your mental health this Rosh Hashana (or feeling at risk of harm)-to save your life, please reach out to mental health services or helplines like Samaritans (116 123)
Many people die every day and every hour from suicide in the UK and globally. 7000 lives lost a year on average in the UK to suicide and 75% of these are men according to research by CALM charity.
Taking their own lives is often the only way they can see to end their own deep pain and suffering- whether as a result of trauma, mental health issues and life circumstances (abuse, addiction, divorce, parenting struggles being just a few).
If you feel suicidal or very low, please tell a trusted person or if in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123.
Today’s blog is about a very special calming self care gift box – The Steady Box that was kindly sent to me by post to review from James Marchant at The Little Box of Mindfulness here in the UK.
I chose the Steady Box to review as someone who lives with an anxiety disorder at times and I wanted to see this self care box and how it can help calm anxiety by being mindful. The Steady Box is created for ‘people navigating anxiety, worry or emotionally overwhelming periods. A thoughtful gift designed to bring grounding, reassurance and gentle moments of calm.’. The Steady Box creates space for pause, presence and the feeling of being supported.
I opened the little black box and on the packaging it says ‘You are in someone’s mind this moment is yours‘. So already as you open it, you are feeling loved and welcomed. Each box also includes access to digital mindfulness practices, extending the feeling of care long after the gift is received. When you open the little box which is compact and fits through a letter box easily, you open to a winking face and a message- ‘You are not your thoughts, this moment is yours. Breathe. You’ve got this.‘ and some beautiful resources nestled within:
(image: The Little Box of Mindfulness)
A painted blue and cream handcrafted ceramic thumb stone (created by a local potter) to help with mindfulness and slow breathing when anxious. You hold it between your thumb and finger, focus mindfully on its texture and weight and then breathe slowly, returning to the present. The stone feels so calming and will make a lovely gift to a friend or loved one who needs to practise calming anxiety through mindfulness and breathing.
A Little Mindfulness box- a ‘Pause Pack’ containing items to help you ‘reconnect and reflect’, exploring at your own pace. These contain reflection cards with calming photos, affirmations about dealing with anxiety and lifes challenges( and finding strength and peace) and on the back, mindfulness prompts. They remind you to be in this moment, be still, breathe, name and ground yourself in the present;
There is also a leaflet teaching you how to ground yourself in the present (eg 5 things you can see, 4 things you can heal, 3 things you can hear) and a QR code for digital mindfulness resources that James has curated online.
Lastly, the box includes a Mindful Checklist card where you can tick off activities to help calm anxiety through mindfulness eg ‘I drank some water’, ‘I moved my body’, ‘I reminded myself I am safe’, I let go of one unhelpful thought’ , ‘I paused and noticed my breath.‘
(image: Little Box of Mindfulness)
This box retails at £15 and it makes the perfect letter box gift to send to a friend that needs to breathe, find a moment of peace to steady and ground themselves. I would recommend it as someone who lives with anxiety- I particularly liked the calming activity of slowing down and breathing with the thumbstone. As someone who has learnt a bit about how to practise mindfulness, I would say this box would be particularly useful at managing anxiety before it turns into a panic attack.
The Little Box of Mindfulness describes this as a’ refined letterbox gift for moments when words feel hard to find. A way to offer reassurance, presence and the quiet message that someone is thinking of them.‘. I would agree that it would make a lovely gift to send to reassure someone!
James Marchant, the founder and creator of the Little Box of Mindfulness, said to me, “I created these boxes with the simple hope of helping people feel remembered and supported during difficult moments, so it means a great deal to know the Steady Box resonated with you personally.” I truly love these products and the story behind them!
James created ‘The Little Box of Mindfulness’ due to his own battle with anxiety, stress and career burn out. He says, ” I’ve experienced anxiety in my own life and have seen first-hand how difficult moments can affect both individuals and families.The Little Box Of Mindfulness was created from a simple belief: when someone is struggling, small acts of kindness can make a real difference.Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say or how to help. My hope is that these letterbox gifts make it a little easier to reach out and remind someone they’re not alone.”
James’ story is so inspiring and I truly love these gift boxes and the concept. As well as the Steady Box there are two other boxes in the mindfulness range. They also sell beautiful self care mental health gift sets for thinking of you, bereavement, stress and burn out which are lovely and contain different treats. You can see all the mental health gift sets here: https://littleboxofmindfulness.co.uk/collections/mental-health-gift
Thank you James for gifting me this wonderful box to review!
(Image: Little Box of Mindfulness)
This article is a sponsored and gifted review. All thoughts on the product are my genuine review.
Thanks so much to Anuj at the team at FeedSpot for listing this blog number 12 out of 30 Best Bipolar Disorder Blogs to follow on the internet here ! Delighted to be nominated amongst many wonderful blogs.
Feedspot is an RSS Reader that lets you subscribe to blogs, news sites, and any website you want to keep up with.
One year and a half after my bipolar 1 diagnosis and after a hospitalisation.
On holiday with friends in Spain and already on medication to stabilise my mental health. So many children now are on waiting lists for NHS CAMHS to even get to see a psychiatrist.
It is my hope and prayer that the government fund mental health services and improve access to healthcare. Or people will die from suicide or become hugely unwell.
I support the work of Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in highlighting and campaigning for this.
I was in the Priory North London adolescent unit in 2004 which was funded by the NHS and I had so much help after a mixed bipolar episode became psychosis. The psychiatrists were so caring.
We need more support for the next generation. Please to the UK government- fund CAMHS NHS services!
Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood as simply experiencing occasional mood swings. In reality, it is a complex mental health condition that exists on a spectrum, with several distinct types that affect individuals in different ways. Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These are not ordinary ups and downs—they are episodes that can last for days, weeks, or longer, and they can significantly disrupt a person’s life, relationships, and sense of self.
Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder is the first step toward recognition, appropriate treatment, and long-term stability. Whether you are seeking answers for yourself or a loved one, clarity about these diagnoses can open the door to compassionate care and effective support. This article explores the three primary types of bipolar disorder—Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder—and highlights the importance of comprehensive recovery pathways.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of at least one manic episode that lasts for at least seven days, or by manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospital care is required. Mania is more than just feeling unusually happy or energetic. During a manic episode, individuals may experience a distorted sense of well-being, racing thoughts, rapid speech, a decreased need for sleep, and impulsive or risky behaviors such as excessive spending or unwise decisions. In some cases, mania can cause a break from reality, known as psychosis.
Depressive episodes often accompany Bipolar I, typically lasting at least two weeks. These episodes can be profound and debilitating, involving deep sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. The manic episodes of Bipolar I can be severe and even dangerous, making this form of the disorder particularly challenging for both the individual and their support network.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a milder version of Bipolar I, but it is a distinct diagnosis with its own set of challenges. It is characterised by at least one
major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a full manic episode. Hypomania is a less extreme form of mania that does not cause the same level of impairment in social or occupational functioning and does not involve psychosis.
While hypomanic episodes may feel productive or even pleasant, they are still part of a pattern that can be destabilizing. The depressive episodes in Bipolar II, however, can be lengthy and severe. In fact, individuals with Bipolar II often seek help during depressive phases and may be misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder if hypomanic episodes go unrecognized. This makes accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is often described as a milder but more chronic form of bipolar disorder. It involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents), but these symptoms do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or major depressive episode.
For someone with cyclothymia, mood instability is a constant presence. The mood swings occur for at least half of the time during the two-year period, with no more than two consecutive months of stable mood. As one psychiatrist describes it, “It may seem like you’re just going through a string of good days and a string of bad days. But the mood shifts keep going, and there’s little neutral time in between”. While the symptoms are less severe than in Bipolar I or II, the persistent nature of cyclothymia can still significantly impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
The Importance of Bipolar Disorder Rehabilitation
Receiving a diagnosis is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of the journey. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. This is where bipolar disorder rehabilitation becomes essential. Rehabilitation goes beyond simply taking medication—it encompasses a holistic approach to rebuilding functioning, enhancing quality of life, and preventing relapse.
Evidence-based psychological interventions play a critical role in recovery. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have shown promise in helping individuals develop emotional regulation skills, improve social functioning, and manage symptoms. Group-based programs and community re-entry initiatives can also support individuals in transitioning from inpatient settings to more independent living, enhancing medication adherence and global functioning.
Rehabilitation is not about “fixing” someone—it is about empowering individuals to live meaningful lives alongside their condition. With the right combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and social support, many people with bipolar disorder achieve stability and pursue their goals. The path may look different for everyone, but recovery is not only possible—it is the expectation.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder is vital for recognising the unique experiences of those affected. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes that can be severe and require hospitalisation. Bipolar II features hypomanic episodes alongside often-prolonged depression. Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic pattern of milder mood swings that persist over years. Each type requires a tailored approach to treatment and support.
If you or someone you love is navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis, remember that you are not alone. Accurate diagnosis, compassionate care, and comprehensive rehabilitation can transform lives. Reach out to mental health professionals, build a support network, and take each step at your own pace. Understanding is the foundation—and from there, healing can begin.
Today a wonderful email from Christina at Vuelio here in the UK dropped in my inbox, to say that Be Ur Own Light is a Top 10 UK Mental Health Blog for 2026 (and has been every year since 2018!). I am really not good at blowing my own trumpet but am so proud of this achievement and know that it is a true blessing. Click here to see the full list: https://www.vuelio.com/uk/social-media-index/mental-health-blogs-uk-top-10/
As well as working with some incredible people, brands and collaborators, I am proud of myself for showing up consistently for 10 years to talk about mental health online here and on our social media. The blog has published over 800 posts and has reached so many and I am forever grateful to our readers.
Thank you Vuelio for listing us at No 7 among really fantastic bloggers and blogs (shout out to you all!)
I often get imposter syndrome so will just say thank you to Vuelio and I hope this blog will continue to share about mental health, wellness, bipolar, life and everything in between- and reach even wider audiences online.
Data from NHS England Digital’s latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) has been analysed by national mental health charity Bipolar UK, revealing that the current system is failing to meet the needs of people living with bipolar.
The findings show that people who tested positive for probable bipolar have experienced a disproportionate rise in unemployment over the past decade, increasing from 3.9% in 2014 to 9% in 2024.
The APMS is a national survey that measures the prevalence of mental health conditions, tracks trends over time and assesses access to treatment. As part of the survey, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was used to screen for probable cases of bipolar.
It is estimated that over a million people in the UK live with bipolar, and many manage the condition well. However, employment rates among people with bipolar remain significantly lower than the average employment rate of 75%* in the general population.
(Image: Annie Spratt: Unsplash)
Bipolar UK believes that widespread underdiagnosis and inadequate access to specialist treatment may be contributing to rising unemployment and widening inequalities for those who tested positive for probable bipolar.
The data shows that only 17.8% of people who tested positive have received a professional diagnosis. This points to significant underdiagnosis. Among those who do have a diagnosis, the use of bipolar specific medication has also fallen, decreasing from 14.5% to 5.1%.
Speaking about the APMS findings, CEO of Bipolar UK, Simon Kitchen, said: “This is the first time this survey has been conducted since 2014, and while the rise in unemployment among people living with bipolar is deeply concerning, it points to a much bigger failure in the system.
“Fewer than one in five people who tested positive for probable bipolar have received a professional diagnosis. Without this, people are far less likely to access the specialist treatment and support that helps them stay well. This can have serious consequences for every part of their lives, including their ability to work.
“We regularly hear from people who are struggling at work or falling out of employment altogether, not because they can’t or don’t want to work, but because the right care isn’t in place. Delays to diagnosis leave people managing severe symptoms alone, often for years.
“For those who do have a diagnosis, a lack of understanding about bipolar in the workplace can add further barriers. Despite protections under the Equality Act, many people tell us they fear stigma or negative consequences if they talk about their condition, and that reasonable adjustments are not always offered or understood.
“This data challenges the misconception that people with bipolar are unable to work. The real issue is a system that diagnoses too late and fails to provide consistent, specialist support. That failure is potentially pushing people out of work who could otherwise live well and fulfil their potential.”
There are several reasonable adjustments that can help people with bipolar better able to manage in the workplace. Many of these are neither expensive nor difficult to implement, such as flexible working arrangements, time off for medical appointments, and support plans following episodes of illness.
Simon Kitchen added: “The benefits of empowering people with bipolar are enormous, for individuals, their families, employers, the NHS and the wider economy. The charity has worked with, and continues to support, thousands of people with bipolar who are working successfully across a wide range of sectors.
“Improving diagnosis rates and building bipolar friendly workplaces benefits everyone.”
Bipolar UK’s current campaign, Maybe it’s bipolar?, aims to raise awareness of some of the common symptoms of bipolar and encourage people who recognise them to explore this further. The campaign directs individuals to take the MDQ and, where they receive a positive result, provides clear, trusted information to help them seek appropriate support.
Ultimately, the campaign aims to reduce the average 9.5 year delay to diagnosis and ensure people affected by bipolar are identified earlier and can access the specialist care and support they need to live and work well.
Bipolar UK also runs workplace training courses for organisations looking to improve their understanding of bipolar and how to support colleagues living with the condition.
Key stats about bipolar:
Over 1 million people in the UK live with bipolar, making it the most common severe mental illness
People wait 9.5 years on average for a diagnosis
Life expectancy is up to 20 years shorter
50% of people with bipolar will attempt suicide at least once, 1 in 5 die by suicide
Despite global suicide rates falling, those related to bipolar have not declined
About Bipolar UK – the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar.
Bipolar UK provides a range of services, including information and advice, a network of support groups, an online Community, workplace training and telephone and email peer support. Bipolar UK also works in partnership with research organisations, and campaigns for change to build a better world for everyone affected by bipolar. For more information, visit bipolaruk.org.
On 1st March 2016, I wrote my very first blog about my mental health struggles with bipolar disorder and anxiety. For me, it was an outlet to share with friends and family what I was experiencing after one of the worst bipolar episodes I had faced and after hospitalisation in 2014. I didn’t realise that this traumatic time in my life, would also cause my mental health to dip and struggle further as I developed PTSD symptoms (panic attacks) and sat on a 2 year waiting list for NHS therapy. Professional support was not coming easily during this time, and so this blog became not only a therapeutic outlet but a place to connect with others going through similar things. And to explain to those who had never experienced mental illness, exactly what it can do but just how you can support those experiencing it.
Part of me can’t fully believe that I have been blogging consistently for 10 years. There have been times where I have wanted to give up but this little blog has been my saviour and in truth, helped me to launch a writing career that I did not expect and am so grateful for. It has also helped others to share their mental health stories and products, been a platform for mental health campaigns and charities and I am super proud of the impact we have had. One of our biggest accolades is being a Top 10 UK mental health blog by Vuelio every year since 2018- which means we are having a positive impact and reach!
The blog has published over 800 posts, with hundreds of thousands of views! It is read on every continent with a particularly large readership in the USA (as well as UK and other countries). We have covered so many topics- bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, pre and post natal depression, OCD, BPD, eating disorders, psychosis, mania, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, trichotillomania, addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling), body dysmorphia and mental health topics like child mental health, work stress, emotional burnout, relationships, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness. We have shared about wellness products and worked with inspiring health and lifestyle brands.
The blog inspired me to share my own story far and wide – writing for mental health charities Mind, Rethink, Time to Change, Bipolar UK, No Panic, SANE and Metro.co.uk, The Telegraph, Happiful, Glamour, Jewish News, Huff Post. Featured in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Yahoo News and other publications. Thank you particularly to the editors at the publications for sharing my story and believing in my mission! This also led to me writing my book ‘Bring me to Light’ which was published in 2019 by Trigger and remains one of my proudest achievements. I then released my children’s book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’ and had some writing featured in ‘The Book of Hope’ by my friends Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger (an amazing experience!). In 2017-18, I was also involved with setting up the Jami mental health shabbat in my community and spoke in several synagogues and at a community festival Limmud with my Dad, about our journey with bipolar. The same year that I started this blog (2016), I also met my now husband, who supports me through all of my writing and mental health work.
As I look back over the past 10 years, to where we were in 2016 with mental health stigma, I am proud to have played a small part in changing the landscape and narrative online around mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder and psychosis. We have many followers on social media platforms and continue to share about mental health and well being and be a resource for all those who need it, so they never feel alone.
(image: Ineffable Living)
Thank you to every single contributor (and every reader) to Be Ur Own Light Blog 2016-2026. Your words and belief in our mission to end the stigma around mental illness have meant the world to me. I hope going forward I can continue to share more real stories, more important information on care and treatment and campaign for better care.
There is still a way to go. NHS waiting lists are too long and care is under funded, leading to not enough beds. Mental health stigma online (and sometimes offline) sadly still remains high. As a society, although we have improved, we still need to fully understand mental health conditions and separate them from the person themselves. I am optimistic that things can and will change.
To everyone reading this going through a period of mental ill health or living with a chronic mental illness, I see you and you are never alone. As a blog community, we can come together to empower each other, so no one ever feels invisible and I hope that I can continue to write too.
Thank you, from my heart, for the past 10 years! Here’s to many more years,
beurownlight.com 