Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness characterized by episodes of an elevated mood known as mania, usually alternating with episodes of depression. During mania an individual feels abnormally happy, energetic, or excitable, but often makes poor decisions due to unrealistic ideas or poor regard of consequences. Manic and depressive episodes can impair the individual's ability to function in ordinary life. About 3% of people have bipolar disorder worldwide, a proportion consistent for both men and women and across racial and ethnic groups. The cause is not clearly understood, but both genetic and environmental risk factors are believed to play a role. Treatment commonly includes mood stabilizing medication and psychotherapy. "Living with Bipolar Disorder" is a documentary about a young film director, 26-year-old Simon Barnard, and his personal battle with bipolar disorder. It sets out to explain the fundamentals of a potentially life-threatening mental condition that most people know and understand very little about. This short film offers an honest, intimate and often graphic documentary account of a young life interrupted by a a serious condition.