This guide will help you answer the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems Unit 3.1 Describe the feelings an individual may have when experiencing bipolar disorder.
Understanding the feelings an individual may have when experiencing bipolar disorder is crucial for a support worker. This knowledge can greatly improve the quality of care and support you provide. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
During a Manic Episode
Euphoria
Individuals often feel extremely happy, excited, and full of energy. This is more than just feeling good; it’s an overwhelming sense of elation that can seem almost infectious.
Overconfidence
Feelings of grandiosity are common. The person might believe they have special talents or powers, or feel invincible. They may take on high-risk activities like gambling or spending sprees.
Irritability
When things don’t go their way, they can quickly become irritable or even angry. Small frustrations may trigger large outbursts of anger.
Restlessness
There is often a need for constant movement or activity. The person might feel like they can’t sit still and may have a racing mind filled with lots of ideas.
Decreased Need for Sleep
Individuals during a manic episode often feel like they need less sleep. They may go for days with little to no rest and still feel energetic.
Rapid Speech
Often referred to as “pressured speech”, individuals may talk quickly, jumping from topic to topic, making it hard for others to keep up.
Impulsivity
The person may make impulsive decisions or engage in risky behaviour. This can include unplanned travel, excessive spending, or reckless driving.
During a Hypomanic Episode
Elevated Mood
A mild version of mania, hypomania doesn’t reach the same extremes. The individual may feel unusually optimistic or upbeat.
Increased Productivity
Many people feel highly productive and creative. They might take on several projects at once and seem tireless.
Sociability
An increase in social activities and willingness to interact with others can be observed. They might become more talkative and engaging.
Enthusiasm
While seeming more approachable, they might become overenthusiastic about small things or projects, which can sometimes lead to frustration if they don’t reach their goals.
During a Depressive Episode
Deep Sadness
The individual may experience an overwhelming feeling of sadness or despair. It’s more intense than ordinary sadness and can last a long time.
Feelings of Hopelessness
There might be an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. The person may feel like nothing will ever get better, which can be distressing.
Fatigue
An individual may feel extremely tired and lack any energy. Simple tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to significant difficulty functioning day-to-day.
Loss of Interest
They may completely lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Even hobbies or activities they love may no longer provide joy.
Low Self-esteem
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt are common. They may blame themselves for things that they have no control over.
Concentration Issues
Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions. This brain fog can affect daily activities and responsibilities.
Appetite Changes
There might be changes in appetite, either eating much more or much less than usual. This can lead to significant weight gain or loss.
Suicidal Thoughts
In severe cases, the individual may have thoughts about death or suicide. This is a critical symptom requiring immediate professional intervention.
Mixed Episodes
Confusion and Distress
During a mixed episode, the person can experience both manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously. This can be very confusing and distressing, as the feelings rapidly shift from one extreme to another.
High Energy with Sadness
It’s possible to have high energy paired with feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The combination can be particularly dangerous, leading to impulsive behaviour driven by a low mood.
Conclusion
Understanding the feelings associated with bipolar disorder’s different phases can help support workers provide empathetic and effective care. It’s important to remember that every individual’s experience with bipolar disorder can be unique. Some might not experience all these feelings or might experience them to different degrees.
Your role as a support worker is to recognise these feelings and offer support that acknowledges and respects the person’s experience. Listening actively, offering reassurance, and providing a constant presence can make a significant difference in their mental health journey.
Being informed and empathetic about the feelings an individual may have when experiencing bipolar disorder enables you to offer better support, improving their well-being and contributing to a more compassionate care environment.
Example answers for unit 3.1 Describe the feelings an individual may have when experiencing bipolar disorder
Example Answer 1:
When a person is going through a manic episode, they often feel a strong sense of euphoria. They can feel on top of the world, like they have unlimited energy and can do anything they set their mind to. This can make them take on multiple projects at once, and they might feel unstoppable. However, this heightened state can also lead them to engage in risky behaviours or make impulsive decisions without considering the long-term consequences.
Example Answer 2:
During depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder often feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness. They might find it incredibly hard to muster up the energy to do daily tasks, and things they once enjoyed no longer bring them any pleasure. This persistent low mood can be exhausting and make even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable.
Example Answer 3:
In a mixed episode, the person might feel both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. This can be very confusing and distressing because they could feel agitated and sad simultaneously. One minute they might feel highly energetic and the next, a wave of deep sadness can hit them. This rapid shift in emotions can be very difficult for both the individual and those around them to handle.
Example Answer 4:
Individuals experiencing a manic phase often have rapid thoughts and speech. Their mind races, making it hard for them to concentrate on one thing. They might talk very quickly and jump from topic to topic, making it difficult for others to follow the conversation. This heightened mental state can be both exhilarating and tiring for the individual.
Example Answer 5:
During depressive episodes, the individual might experience significant disruptions in their sleep patterns. They can struggle with insomnia, lying awake for hours, or experience hypersomnia, where they sleep much more than usual and still feel tired. This irregular sleep can worsen their depressive symptoms and make it even harder to function during the day.
Example Answer 6:
Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt are also common during the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. The individual might feel as though they are a burden to their family and friends or blame themselves for things that are not their fault. These feelings can be incredibly distressing and contribute to a downward spiral in their mental health, sometimes leading to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.