Bipolar

Bipolar is a mental health condition that mainly affects mood. These moods can transition from one extreme to another. These transitions can last for a prolonged period of time.

This can result in experiencing:

  • 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.

Manic and hypomanic episodes:

During a manic or hypomanic episode, some feelings might include:

  • Feeling very happy or uncontrollably excited
  • Lots of energy
  • Spending beyond your means or purchasing items you would not ordinarily
  • Irritable or agitated
  • Increased sexual energy
  • Easily distracted like your thoughts are racing or you cannot concentrate
  • Talking quickly
  • Believing you are untouchable

During a manic or hypomanic episode, some behaviours might include:

  • Being more active than usual
  • Be very friendly towards 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
  • Loss of 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  • Act withdrawn or avoid social situations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 – a healthy diet, sleep and exercise.

Plan ahead for a crisis – while you are well, it can be useful to make a plan to include what things support you when you are unwell and any actions which are ordinarily helpful.

Where can I receive support?

The following resources may contain sensitive information.

Seek help from your GP

NHS Central Access Point – If you need mental health support, you can call this service on 0808 800 3302 24 hours a day.

Local Minds – offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.

Samaritans – offers support 24/7, call the helpline on 116 123.

Bipolar UK – Information and support for people affected by bipolar disorder, hypomania and mania. Offers a telephone peer support line, an online peer support community, and local support groups across the country.

How can we help?

If you would like to access support and arrange a meeting with our HE Welfare Team, please email HE.Welfare@loucoll.ac.uk.

 We also offer the following weekly during term-time:

HE Common Room:

  • Start the day right – Tuesdays 8am-9:30am
  • Cake and Chat – Fridays 2pm-3:30pm

Room TBC

  • HE Drop-In – Thursdays 2pm-3:30pm

HE Health Assured:

You can get support, information and advice through HE Health Assured which is offered independently of the college. You can also access free counselling through HE Health Assured and download their free app ‘Wisdom.’  Call 0800 028 3766. This line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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.