What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition involving significant changes in mood, energy and activity levels. Some people experience episodes of depression, while others experience episodes of mania or hypomania. Episodes may last for days or weeks, and the condition often needs long-term management.

Common symptoms may include:

• periods of low mood, sadness or hopelessness

• loss of interest or enjoyment

• low energy or fatigue

• poor concentration

• changes in sleep

• periods of increased energy, agitation or restlessness

• needing less sleep than usual

• racing thoughts

• impulsive decisions or behaviour

The exact symptoms and pattern vary from person to person.

How bipolar disorder may affect daily function

Bipolar disorder affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• daily routines and consistency

• sleep and recovery

• energy and fatigue

• confidence with movement or exercise

• concentration and task completion

• work, study or parenting demands

• social participation

• general day-to-day function

Mood changes can make it harder to maintain stable routines, keep up with daily tasks, or participate consistently in meaningful activities. Bipolar disorder often affects everyday functioning and usually needs ongoing support and management.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for bipolar disorder itself, but it may help support people when bipolar disorder is contributing to:

• reduced movement or physical activity

• deconditioning

• low confidence with movement

• fatigue-aware return to activity

• difficulty rebuilding routine and participation
  
  

Support may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• paced return to activity

• structured exercise for function

• graded physical conditioning

• support building movement confidence
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may be relevant when bipolar disorder is affecting:

• daily routines

• self-care

• fatigue management

• organisation of everyday tasks

• work, home or parenting roles

• participation in meaningful activities
  
  

OT may include:

• practical routine-building strategies

• pacing and energy management

• breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps

• support for function at home or in the community

• environmental or routine-based problem solving
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people who need support with:

• graded return to exercise

• rebuilding strength and endurance

• developing a realistic physical activity plan

• improving confidence with activity

Exercise is not a replacement for psychiatric or psychological care, but for some people it can be a useful part of broader wellbeing support when introduced carefully and consistently.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to bipolar disorder itself unless there is a separate communication, swallowing or cognitive-communication issue that also needs support.

Important scope note

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition and may need support from a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional. Allied health at Palms does not replace mental health treatment. Our role is to support the person where bipolar disorder is affecting function, routine, movement, fatigue, participation or day-to-day activity, and to work within a broader care team where appropriate.

Treatment for bipolar disorder commonly includes medication and psychotherapy, and most people need a long-term treatment plan.

If someone is in crisis, at immediate risk, or having suicidal thoughts, urgent help is needed. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency. Healthdirect also lists Lifeline 13 11 14 for immediate support.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how bipolar disorder is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

rebuilding confidence with activity

supporting routine and consistency

improving fatigue management

helping daily tasks feel more manageable

increasing participation in meaningful activities

supporting gradual return to movement and function

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP and mental health team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition involving periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania. These mood changes can affect energy, behaviour and daily function.

What is the difference between bipolar disorder and normal mood changes?

Bipolar disorder involves more significant and disruptive mood episodes than ordinary ups and downs. These episodes may last for days or weeks and can affect daily life, relationships and functioning.

What are common symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Common symptoms may include low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, poor concentration, changes in sleep, periods of increased energy, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep and impulsive behaviour.

Can bipolar disorder affect daily function?

Yes. Bipolar disorder can affect sleep, routine, concentration, energy, participation and the ability to manage everyday tasks consistently.

Can physiotherapy help with bipolar disorder?

Physiotherapy does not treat bipolar disorder itself, but it may help support people where mood symptoms are contributing to reduced movement, deconditioning, fatigue or difficulty returning to activity.

Can occupational therapy help with bipolar disorder?

Yes, in some cases. Occupational therapy may help when bipolar disorder is affecting daily routines, self-care, fatigue management, function at home or work, or participation in everyday activities.

Can exercise help when someone has bipolar disorder?

For some people, graded and realistic physical activity can be a helpful part of broader support, but it is not a replacement for psychiatric or psychological treatment. Bipolar disorder usually needs a longer-term treatment plan that may include medication and psychotherapy.

Should someone with bipolar disorder also see a doctor or psychiatrist?

Often, yes. Bipolar disorder commonly needs assessment and treatment from a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

When should someone seek urgent help?

Urgent help is needed if someone is in crisis, at immediate risk, or having suicidal thoughts. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency. Healthdirect also lists Lifeline 13 11 14 for urgent support.

Our role is to support functional goals, participation, regulation strategies and daily living needs as part of a broader care team. Diagnosis and mental health treatment should be guided by an appropriate medical or mental health professional. 

If bipolar disorder is affecting your energy, routine, confidence with movement or day-to-day function, our team can discuss whether allied health support may be appropriate as part of your broader care.

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Beyond Blue – Provides support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Mental Health Australia – The national peak body representing and advocating for the mental health sector.

https://mhaustralia.org

SANE Australia – Offers information, support, and resources for people affected by mental illness.

https://www.sane.org

Black Dog Institute – Provides resources for managing mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Australian Psychological Society – Offers resources and a directory for finding psychologists who specialize in bipolar disorder.

https://www.psychology.org.au

Bipolar Australia – Provides resources, support, and information specifically for individuals living with bipolar disorder.

https://bipolaraustralia.org.au

Headspace – Offers mental health support for young people, including information on bipolar disorder.

https://headspace.org.au

Your Mental Health – A guide to understanding and managing mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.

https://www.yourmentalhealth.org.au

Neuroscience Research Australia – Provides research-based information on mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.

https://www.neura.edu.au

Mind Australia – Offers services, resources, and support for mental health and well-being.

https://www.mindaustralia.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.