Understanding Bipolar: Symptoms, Treatment & Hope | Dr Isabelle Mercer, Clinical Psychologist What is bipolar disorder, and how does it affect those who live with it?
In this video, Dr Isabelle Mercer, Clinical Psychologist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, explains what bipolar disorder really is — from the emotional highs of mania to the deep lows of depression — and how therapy and medication can help individuals find stability and hope.
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that causes significant changes in mood, energy, and behaviour. People with bipolar experience episodes of mania or hypomania (periods of high energy, impulsivity, or elevated mood) and depression (feelings of sadness, low energy, and hopelessness). These cycles can be disruptive and exhausting, impacting relationships, work, and daily life — but effective treatment can make a huge difference.
In this insightful clip, Dr Isabelle Mercer breaks down what bipolar disorder looks like in real life, why it can sometimes be misunderstood, and what recovery and long-term management really involve. She shares her compassionate clinical perspective on:
💬 The difference between mania, hypomania and depression
⚖️ How bipolar disorder varies from person to person
🧩 The challenges of impulsivity and emotional regulation
💡 How therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT and integrative approaches) can help
💊 The role of medication and mood stabilisers
❤️ The importance of hope, support, and self-understanding in recovery
👩⚕️ About Dr Isabelle Mercer
Dr Isabelle Mercer, PhD, HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, works with children, teenagers and adults at Schoen Clinic Chelsea in London. She provides specialist therapy for a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, from anxiety, trauma, and depression to chronic pain, perfectionism and bipolar disorder.
Dr Mercer believes in therapy that feels safe, affirming and human. Her approach integrates several evidence-based therapies — including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) — helping patients develop emotional insight, self-compassion and resilience.
She is also experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodiverse people, and those living with long-term physical health conditions.
Learn more about her here:
👉 Dr Isabelle Mercer – Clinical Psychologist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
🏥 About Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Schoen Clinic Chelsea is a leading London-based outpatient centre specialising in mental health and neurodevelopmental care for adults, teenagers and children.
Our expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and therapists deliver evidence-based treatment for conditions including:
Anxiety, depression and burnout
Trauma and PTSD
OCD, ADHD and autism
Bipolar disorder and emotional dysregulation
Relationship, family and work-related stress
Eating disorders, chronic pain, and self-esteem concerns
We offer a wide range of individual therapy, group therapy and diagnostic assessments, with a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to wellbeing.
📍 Located in Chelsea, London
🌐 Learn more: www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/chelsea
📧 Contact: che-privateenquiries@schoen-clinic.co.uk
💬 If you or someone you love is living with Bipolar Disorder
Remember — you are not alone, and help is available. With the right combination of therapy, medication and support, people living with bipolar disorder can find balance and lead fulfilling lives. Stability is possible.
If you recognise some of the signs or symptoms described in this video, consider speaking to a qualified mental health professional.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we provide tailored treatment and assessments to support your mental health journey.
🧭 Chapters
0:00 – What is Bipolar Disorder?
0:20 – The emotional highs and lows
0:55 – Mania and impulsivity explained
1:25 – The aftermath of manic episodes
1:40 – How therapy and medication help
2:10 – Living with bipolar and finding stability
2:50 – Supporting someone with bipolar
3:20 – Why stability and hope are possible
📚 Keywords
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