November 14, 2024

Psychosocial hazards – Bipolar disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and behave. While it is common to experience mood swings or feel different emotions on different days, those with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood changes that can affect their personal and work life. Gaining an understanding of this condition will help you to diagnose it or help a co-worker.

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings that can include:

Depressive episodes: Feeling hopeless, sad and being uninterested in activities
Manic episodes: Experiencing overly high mood, racing thoughts, increased energy, and unable to sleep

These mood changes can last from just a few days to months and don’t only affect your personal life but also your safety while at work. There are different types of bipolar disorder, they include:

Bipolar II Disorder: Less severe, experience high energy, are easily agitated, and depressive episodes
Bipolar I Disorder: Much more severe, experience manic episodes that can include delusions and hallucinations, often require hospitalisation

Recognising bipolar disorder can be difficult in young people, and it is important to seek professional help if you or someone else experiences these common signs and symptoms:

Constant mood changes lasting hours to days
High energy levels and feelings of euphoria
High risk-taking actions
Easily irritated or aggressive behaviour
Constant racing thoughts and difficulty focusing

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still not fully understood but several factors contribute:

Genetic factors
Abnormal brain chemical levels
Poor psychological and environmental factors
Medical illnesses
Pregnancy

Managing and Treating Bipolar Disorder:

To effectively manage or treat bipolar disorder, it takes long-term management, this can include:

Medication: Being prescribed mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and antidepressants are often used to manage symptoms
Psychological Therapies: Counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and psychosocial education are beneficial alongside medication
Lifestyle changes: Simple things such as regular sleep, good nutrition, exercise and stress management techniques are essential to managing bipolar disorder

Staying on top of your treatment and implementing a daily mood graph can help to track mood changes and identify triggers, which will help to manage the condition even better.
If you are experiencing bipolar disorder-like symptoms, you can complete a mental health consultation and see a mental health doctor. This will help assess your situation and refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary. Early intervention can help prevent further episodes and allow for better long-term outcomes.

You can also contact mental health support lines such as: