Are you supporting a family member or friend with bipolar disorder?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming and isolating experience.
Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
In the past, bipolar disorder has been referred to as ‘manic depression’. The condition is now known as ‘bipolar disorder’, as this term more accurately describes the cycling of moods that is experienced by the person between the two poles of ‘high’ or elevated mood and ‘low’ or depressed mood.
The elevated mood is also referred to as mania, a period of elevated, expansive or irritable mood, high energy levels and inappropriate behaviours, which have the potential to cause significant problems in relationships and/or in the person’s workplace.
Clinicians differentiate between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder; bipolar I is more severe than bipolar II.
A person with bipolar I will have extreme manic states, their behaviour quickly escalates and their mania is likely to require hospitalisation.
Bipolar II is considered more common; their manic symptoms are less severe and cause less impairment for the individual. In bipolar II these episodes are referred to as hypomania.
A manic episode can include the following symptoms:
In a depressive state the person with bipolar will experience the opposite of mania:
Bipolar affects 0.6 (bipolar I) and 0.8 per cent (bipolar II) of the population at some time in their lives (APA 2013). Onset is usually before the age of 30 years but can occur at any time. The most common pattern involves repeated episodes of mania or depression, usually followed by a period of remission.
Several factors may contribute to a person developing bipolar disorder such as genetics or hormonal problems. Environmental factors such as abuse, trauma, mental stress, significant loss or substance misuse can trigger bipolar disorder.
Typically, bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of three different types of medication; a mood-stabilizing drug, antipsychotics and anti-depressants. The person needs to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist and usually continues to receive medications through their GP. Psychotherapy is highly recommended.
A person with bipolar disorder is likely to be symptom-free for the majority of the time and live a productive life in the community.
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder are very different from common mood swings.
The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however this is not your role and should be left to a professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service though a GP, mental health phone line, mental health service or by searching online.
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds® offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds® via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy.
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© 2022 HelpingMinds®.
Privacy Policy
Eligibility Policy
Resources
Carer Rights
Feedback
How We Can Help
Supporting Mental Health Issues For Families, Young People & Adults.
Get In Touch
All calls made to our Carer Centre will be directed to our metro or regional offices.
Head Office
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9427 7100
Fax: +61 (8) 9427 7119
Free Phone: 1800 811 747
HelpingMinds® respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and Elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only.
HelpingMinds® is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. HelpingMinds® welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, see our Diversity Statement.
HelpingMinds® prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive organisation, ensuring everyone who needs support is able to access the right service and receive the help they need. If you require accessible locations, an interpreter or translator services, please contact us. For more information, see our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
Helping Australians since 1976.
© 2022 HelpingMinds®.
Privacy Policy
Eligibility Policy
Resources
Carer Rights
Feedback
How We Can Help
Supporting Mental Health Issues For Families, Young People & Adults.
Get In Touch
All calls made to our Carer Centre will be directed to our metro or regional offices.
Head Office
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9427 7100
Fax: +61 (8) 9427 7119
Free Phone: 1800 811 747
HelpingMinds® respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only.
HelpingMinds® is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. HelpingMinds® welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, see our Diversity Statement.
HelpingMinds® prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive organisation, ensuring everyone who needs support is able to access the right service and receive the help they need. If you require accessible locations, an interpreter or translator services, please contact us. For more information, see our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
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