Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania and episodes of depression, which can last days, weeks or longer, with periods of stable mood in between. Mania brings very high or irritable mood, much less need for sleep, racing thoughts, fast speech and risky decisions, and can include psychosis. Hypomania is a milder form. Key points: bipolar I involves mania, bipolar II involves hypomania and depression; it is diagnosed by a health professional; treatment usually includes mood stabilising medication, psychological support and a wellness plan; and many people live well.

Bipolar disorder can affect work, study, relationships, money and health, especially during mood episodes. During mania a person may spend large amounts of money, take risks or fall out with people, and during depression they may be unable to manage daily tasks. Between episodes many people function well. Key points: sleep and routine are closely linked to mood; the person may not recognise mania as a problem at the time; consequences of an episode, such as debt or damaged relationships, can last long after; and stigma can stop people seeking help.

Supporting a person with bipolar disorder means respecting their choices and expertise, supporting steady routines, and using their wellness plan. This lesson covers practical ways to help: supporting regular sleep and meals, helping with the budgeting or spending safeguards the person has chosen, staying calm and non confrontational during high or low mood, and encouraging contact with their treating team. It covers language: say a person living with bipolar disorder, never a bipolar or psycho, and never use bipolar to describe mood swings. Key points: follow the wellness plan, respect choice, and stay calm.

Many people with bipolar disorder have their own early warning signs, often written in their wellness plan, and acting early can prevent a full episode. This lesson covers early signs of mania and depression, crisis signs that need urgent action and what to do. Key points: support workers do not diagnose, adjust medication or provide treatment; report early warning signs to your team leader; follow the wellness or safety plan; call 000 if anyone is in immediate danger, including from risky behaviour or suicidal thoughts; record facts; and Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.

This case study follows Lorenzo, a man living with bipolar disorder whose wellness plan lists his early warning signs of mania. His support worker notices he has barely slept for two nights, is talking quickly and plans to quit his job to start a business. The lesson shows how to stay calm, avoid arguing or matching his energy, and use the wellness plan he wrote when he was well to act early. Key points: know the person's early signs, follow their plan, report promptly and record the facts.

This case study follows Helen, an older woman receiving in home aged care who lives with bipolar disorder and is going through a depressive episode. She has stopped showering and eating properly, and says she does not care any more. The lesson explores how to offer personal care with dignity and choice, how to break tasks into small steps, and why changes in self care, eating and mood must be reported. It also reinforces listening for warning signs of suicide. Key points: respect choice and dignity, offer small steps, report changes and take hopelessness seriously.

This case study follows Tyson, a young man living with bipolar disorder who has just come home to his shared house after a hospital stay for mania. He feels ashamed of what happened, and some weeks later early signs appear again and he becomes angry with a housemate. The lesson covers supporting recovery without judgement, protecting privacy, responding safely when there is conflict, and escalating early signs. Key points: support without judgement, keep information private, put safety first and follow the wellness plan and our incident procedures.