As part of our series on bipolar disorder (manic depression) Helen Thomas spoke to Alison about how the disorder has affected her.
Alison Morrey is 35 and lives in Crewe. She's been diagnosed with bipolar, or manic depression and says she's managing to control it by taking a combination of drugs, and having talking therapies.
"For me I have to be constantly busy, doing things... I think my record is about three and a half days without sleep"
Alison says she doesn't know why her bipolar developed over time, but she suffered from depression as a teenager, which was then later diagnosed as manic depression. Two other people in her family have been diagnosed with depression as well.
She says when she's depressed she feels dead inside and doesn't want to face people, whereas the highs are the opposite and she has to be doing something all the time, cleaning, talking, playing loud music.
Hear Alison's story by clicking on the link below:
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