3.2 Describe the ways bipolar disorder affects the individual and their life

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Describe the ways bipolar disorder affects the individual and their life.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). This condition can significantly affect an individual’s ability to function day-to-day. It influences only their mental health but also their physical health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life. In this guide, we cover how bipolar disorder impacts the individual and their life.

Effects on Mood and Emotions

Bipolar disorder can cause intense changes in mood. During periods of mania, individuals may feel highly energised, euphoric or irritable. They may act impulsively, taking risks they would not normally take. They may also speak very quickly or feel overly confident. While they feel capable of achieving anything, this can sometimes lead to dangerous or unwise decisions.

In depressive episodes, the individual feels very low, sad, or even hopeless. They might find it difficult to enjoy things they used to like. In some cases, they may feel worthless and struggle to see the point of daily life. These emotional changes can be exhausting and hard to manage, leaving the individual feeling drained or confused.

Impact on Physical Health and Sleep

Bipolar disorder frequently affects physical health. During manic episodes, an individual may feel like they need little or no sleep. While this boosts energy initially, it leads to a lack of rest, which harms physical health. Long-term sleep deprivation can increase the risk of other illnesses, like heart disease or a weakened immune system.

In depressive phases, fatigue is common. The individual may feel tired all the time, even if they are sleeping excessively. This constant low energy affects their ability to complete tasks, leading to frustration or feelings of failure.

Behavioural Changes

Mania often causes individuals to act in ways that are out of character. They may spend money recklessly, take drugs or alcohol, or engage in risky sexual behaviour. On the other hand, depressive episodes may cause withdrawal from others. The person may avoid social situations, struggle to look after themselves, or lose motivation to work. These changes can happen very suddenly, affecting their routine and stability.

Relationships and Family Life

Bipolar disorder can make maintaining healthy relationships challenging. Mood swings can confuse partners, family, or friends. For example:

• During mania, someone might interrupt conversations constantly, appear distracted, or make upsetting comments.
• During depression, they may withdraw, refuse to communicate, or appear uninterested in loved ones.

Family members may worry about the person’s well-being and feel burdened because they don’t know how to help. In some cases, bipolar episodes can lead to arguments. The person’s actions, such as reckless spending, may result in financial stress for their household.

Impact on Education and Work

Bipolar disorder often impacts education and employment. During manic phases, individuals may struggle to focus on tasks for long periods. They might work too hard and burn themselves out, thinking they can take on too much. On the flip side, depressive phases can reduce their ability to perform effectively. They may miss deadlines or take time off work due to their symptoms.

This inconsistency can lead to job loss or difficulties at school, such as falling behind in assignments. Unemployment or academic failure can then add to their feelings of depression, leading to a cycle of distress.

Economic Challenges

The financial impacts of bipolar disorder are another factor affecting an individual’s life. Risk-taking behaviours during mania, such as gambling or impulsive online shopping, can leave someone in debt. If the condition causes them to leave or lose a job, this adds further financial strain. They may also spend money on treatments or therapies, adding to their financial concerns.

Safety Concerns

Safety is often an issue with bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, individuals might perform dangerous acts because they do not fully consider the consequences. This can include driving recklessly, taking drugs, or putting themselves in situations that are unsafe.

During depressive episodes, thoughts of self-harm or suicide might arise. This makes it important for a support worker to monitor their well-being closely, ensuring they have access to professional help and crisis interventions when needed.

Effects on Self-Esteem and Identity

Bipolar disorder may impact an individual’s sense of self. Mania may make them feel confident initially, but they often regret impulsive decisions afterwards. This regret can lower self-esteem. Depression further damages their confidence, as they may see themselves as failures for not meeting their own or others’ expectations.

Some individuals feel embarrassed about their condition. The stigma surrounding mental illness can make them feel isolated or ashamed. This can lead to secrecy about their symptoms, making it harder for others to understand or support them.

Social Isolation

Bipolar disorder can lead to social isolation. Rapid mood changes and unpredictable behaviour can strain friendships. As a result, the individual might lose social connections or avoid interacting with others altogether.

Some may worry about being judged for their actions during manic or depressive episodes. This worry can stop them from forming new friendships or rebuilding damaged ones.

The Role of Medication Side Effects

Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves medication. While these are important for managing symptoms, they can come with side effects such as weight gain, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating. These effects can discourage someone from taking their medication regularly, which puts them at risk of further mood swings. It also makes managing the condition harder.

Stigma and Discrimination

People with bipolar disorder often face stigma. They may experience negative stereotypes, such as being labelled “dangerous” during manic episodes or “lazy” during depressive periods. This discrimination can affect their mental health further, causing them to feel misunderstood or unfairly treated.

Sometimes, stigma exists in workplaces or schools, where individuals may struggle to get support. Managers or teachers may view their condition as an excuse. This lack of understanding could deprive them of reasonable accommodations, like flexible working hours or extra time to complete assignments.

Effects on Long-Term Independence

Without the right support, individuals living with bipolar disorder might struggle to live independently. They may face difficulty managing finances or maintaining a stable job, which can result in relying on family or carers. For some, the disorder could make self-care harder, leading to poor hygiene, poor diet, or serious neglect of their physical health.

Managing Relationships with Professionals

The individual may become frustrated with health or social care professionals if they feel misunderstood or judged. Frequent appointments, medication adjustments, and therapy sessions can also be tiring or stressful. This can strain their relationship with carers or support workers, making it harder to deliver effective care and build trust.

How Support Workers Can Help

Support workers play a vital role in helping individuals with bipolar disorder minimise the impact of this condition on their lives. Below are some ideas on how to support them:

• Encourage the individual to stick to treatment plans, including taking prescribed medication.
• Listen without judgment and offer reassurance during mood swings.
• Help the individual identify and avoid triggers, like stress or alcohol, that make their condition worse.
• Assist with creating routines, helping manage tasks like remembering appointments or paying bills.
• Encourage social inclusion by supporting them to reconnect with family, friends or attend group-based activities.
• Be patient when they are experiencing mood changes.

Remember to communicate with other professionals involved in the person’s care, including mental health teams. Sharing observations or concerns ensures they receive the right level of support.

Final Thoughts

Bipolar disorder affects individuals in many ways. These include mood, relationships, employment, and physical health. The unpredictability of mood swings often causes disruption, but with the right understanding and treatment, many individuals manage to lead fulfilling lives.

As a support worker, your role can make a real difference by providing practical help, offering emotional support, and promoting stability for those living with bipolar disorder.