Bipolar
Bipolar is a mental health condition that mainly affects mood. This can result in the experiences of:
- Depressive episodes (feeling low)
- Manic episodes (feeling very high and overactive)
The symptoms depend on which mood is being experienced. Some psychotic symptoms can potentially be experienced during manic or depressive episodes such as hallucinations and delusions etc.
Each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer) unlike usual mood swings.
Manic and hypomanic episodes:
During a manic or hypomanic episode, some feelings might include:
- Happy, cheerful or a sense of wellbeing
- Uncontrollably excited
- Irritable or agitated
- Increased sexual energy
- Easily distracted like your thoughts are racing or you can’t concentrate
- Like you can’t get your words out fast enough
- Like you’re untouchable or can’t be harmed (more likely in mania)
During a manic or hypomanic episode, some behaviours might include:
- Being more active than usual
- Talk a lot, speak very quickly, or not make sense to other people
- Be very friendly to others
- Say or do things that are inappropriate and out of character
- Sleep very little or not at all
- Act rudely or aggressively
- Misuse drugs or alcohol
- Spend money excessively or in a way that is unusual for you
- Lose social inhibitions
- Take risks with your safety
Depressive episodes:
During a depressive episode, some feelings might include:
- Down, upset or tearful
- Fatigued
- Lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence
- Guilty, worthlessness or hopelessness
- Agitated and tense
- Suicidal (please seek crisis support)
During a depressive episode, you might:
- Not do things you normally enjoy
- Have trouble sleeping, or sleep too much
- Eat too little or too much
- Misuse drugs or alcohol
- Act withdrawn or avoid social situations
- Rumination
- Self-harm or attempt suicide (please seek crisis support)
It is also possible to experience a mixed episode where you can feel symptoms from both or a neutral state where you feel neither depressed nor manic.
How can I look after myself?
Monitor your moods – keeping track of your moods may help to identify patterns – this can be done by keeping a mood diary over a period of time.
Understand your triggers – it may help to understand what triggers your episodes/mood states. Examples of triggers can be stressful periods, significant life events, periods of change, lack of sleep etc.
Learn your warning signs – you may notice your warning signs before an episode begins such as changes in sleep, behaviour or eating.
Sticking to a routine – stick to your day to day activities, make time for relaxation and mindfulness. Also taking medication at the right time each day.
Manage stress – it is important to manage stress as this can trigger a mood episode, this can be handled by being kind to yourself, allowing time to relax, having hobbies.
Look after your physical health – manage a healthy diet, sleep and exercise.
Plan ahead for a crisis – while you’re well, it can be useful to make a plan for how you want to be treated when you’re unwell.
Where can I receive support?
The following resources may contain sensitive information.
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
How can we help?
Learner Welfare Drop-Ins
The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.
Please see the current timetable below:
Mental Health First Aiders
We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.
Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.