Page 85 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual

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Handouts

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression).
Teaching
Facts

• Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depression refer to the same mental health
problem.
• 1.3% of the population will develop Bipolar Disorder over a lifetime.
Diagnosis is often difficult as symptoms are complicated, proper treatment is
often delayed for up to a decade following first symptoms.
• Between 10-20% of people with bipolar disorder will take their own life, and
up to a third will make a suicide attempt. Anyone can develop bipolar
disorder.

What is it?

Involves extreme mood swings (highs and lows). It can often happen when work, studies, family or
emotional pressures are at their greatest. In women it can be triggered by childbirth or during the
menopause. The first episode of being unwell usually happens in adolescence as hormonal changes
or major life changes (like leaving home) can trigger the condition. Severe and/or untreated episodes Administration
of bipolar disorder or manic depression can be very damaging for the person and their relationships,
often having an effect on employment, family and social relationships.

Signs and Symptoms

• Can often occur in phases, often with long periods with no problem in between.

• Some people only have one serious period of being unwell in their life time.

Mania is a term used for periods of great elation. A person‘s mind will race; they may talk very
quickly; be full of energy; not sleep much; or the extreme, begin to believe they have special
powers or abilities. People are prone to excesses of spending money, extreme religious beliefs
or taking risks.
• It is possible to have mixed episodes, where people experience elements of both mania and
depression. Lesson Plans

Recovery

Early diagnosis and treatment is important to recovery. Becoming aware of one‘s own symptoms,
trying to avoid triggering situations, and keeping a mood diary can help.

For more information: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Handouts

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