The usual first step to getting help is to speak to your GP.
It can help to keep a record of your moods. This can help you and your healthcare practitioner to understand your mood swings. We have a mood diary and a mood scale in our downloads section for you to use.
Your GP can’t diagnose bipolar disorder. Only a qualified psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. You should be referred to a psychiatrist if you have:
- depression, and
- have ever felt very excited or not in control of your mood or behaviour for at least 4 days in a row.
Your community mental health team (CMHT) can also refer you to a psychiatrist. Your GP or Physician should make an urgent referral to the CMHT if they think that you might have mania or severe depression. Or there is a chance that you are a danger to yourself or someone else.