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First Aid Mental Health

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 First Aid Mental Health – Bipolar is associated and influenced by daily demands, stress can trigger bipolar to peak.

This manic side of bipolar is triggered by pressure and the reaction to stressful daily demands or events. The depressive episodes can be brought on by relationship problems and financial pressures of problems. It is thought to believe that the manic episodes are an escape from the feelings of depression. Bipolar is associated and influenced by daily demands, stress can trigger bipolar to peak.

Examples of symptoms that may occur in a manic and depressive episode.

Manic

As previously discussed, manic will show signs that the individual is very active and feeling very high and creativity, and euphoria are common.

People suffering a manic episode will often talk more than usual with an increased speak in their speech. Symptoms of sleep deprivation are often experienced due to high energy and hyperactive. Manic episodes may also make the individual feel like they’re invincible or untouchable. This could be a dangerous episode as the individual also can be easily distracted from their daily routes or work activities.

Although this episode of mania makes the individual feel on a high it often tends to spiral out of control. This can make the person behave recklessly during a manic episode. First Aid Mental Health

And can lead to excessive gambling, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments or decisions – for example, they may become angry, irritable, and aggressive- often leading to confrontation when others don’t agree with their plans and retaliating to anyone who challenges their behaviour.

Some people even become delusional, hallucinate or start hearing voices.

Depressive symptoms

Depressive symptoms will affect individuals in a variety of ways and a mixture of different symptoms and range from mild to severe

The more common symptoms of a person with depressive could be:

Feeling unhappy, worthless and empty. This can cause many physical affects for the person such as sleep problems, eating disorders low or no sex drive and show signs of anxiet.

Concentration levels and memory problems are very common with the individual not motivated in day to day life. This can make feelings of worthlessness or guilt. With more severe symptoms the person can also have thoughts of self-harm or even suicide

What are medical intervention for Bipolar Disorder?

Medical intervention for an individual who is suffering from bipolar disorder could include:

Medication can be prescribed by the individuals GP who’s suffering from the condition. Common drugs that are be subscribed can include, Anti-anxiety drugs, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Anticonvulsants

Drugs cannot cure Bipolar Disorder but it can help to control it.

An individual could be admitted to hospital if they are very distressed, this will allow for an assessment and provide relief for anyone supporting the individual with depression. The individual can volunteer to go or can be sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Electroconvulsive Therapy is given under general anaesthetic and involved passing current through the brain in order to cause a fit. It is given for cases of severe depression, it is not commonly used as much now but can be an effective treatment.

What are the different ways in which an individual with Bipolar Disorder can help to manage their illness when entering a manic and depressive episode? 

An individual with Bipolar Disorder can man manage their own illness in a number of different ways

They can seek and ask for support from other people suffering with bipolar, it can reassure them they are not alone and talk about their feeling in compassion with others.  Monitoring episodes and detecting worrying signs as early as possible can mean the individual is prepared.

They can avoid triggers which have set off the illness in the past and avoid stress where possible. Also having a daily / regular routine will keep the person in high moral and keep the mind relaxed and focused.

It would be wise to avoid stimulant drinks, alcohol and recreational drugs such as smoking cannabis or taking cocaine as this can trigger manic episodes.

A change in general life styles can also help manage the disorder such as, taking regular exercise to keep a positive mind. This can also be combined with a healthy diet and a good sleep pattern

Also, they should try and keep depression at bay by challenging negative thoughts and adopting a positive attitude where possible.

How can others help an individual with Bipolar Disorder to manage their illness?

Bipolar Disorder can be either mild or severe and there are many different ways in which friends, family and others can help a person manage their illness. Some common ways are;

By family and friends can educating themselves on the condition and its triggers, also how it affects the individual to be able to notice the warning signs. This can be a great way to communicate with the person and help them set daily routine tasks. This can also include helping them find appropriate support groups and the expert help that is available to them.

People can be supportive and try and understand the individual’s illness so that the person with bipolar can open up about their feelings without the worry of being judged.

They can encourage the individual to seek help and intervention to control illness. They can help individual with certain jobs and roles to reduce the pressure at times.

Give the person some practical and motivational support – this could be things like encouraging them or even take part with them in regular exercise, help set daily goals with them including a healthy diet and sleep pattern

Try to be patient with the person suffering with bipolar and try to understand and respect their decision making, but also monitor the persons behaviour and contact support lines if the person is feeling very low and thinking self-harm thoughts or suicide thoughts.

What local resources and treatments are available to an individual experiencing Bipolar Disorder?

Care programme

This resource is where the person can have their needs assessed and their care planned, a thorough assessment will be completed and action plan put in place. As with all mental health conditions the community mental health team (CMHT) maybe involved in this process, they can work with the individual to sort out any issues such as housing, benefits and day centres.

Local day centres

There are many different day centres which included, local community centres, day hospitals and drop in centres to support people with bipolar disorder illness. These types of centres can provide some excellent help and support such as therapy, counselling and further information advice and guidance on other support available.  First Aid Mental Health This type of service is provided by professional mental health experts.

Other types of drop in services may offer a different range of support, for example mindfulness activities such as arts and crafts, music lessons or even just to pop in for a chat with other people in the centre

First Aid Mental Health

Treatments

Local treatments could include supported accommodation. This would entail the individual suffering with bipolar lives in a supported environment until they have the confidence to live on their own, The community care service can also make an assessment of the individuals needs which will cover everything from housing to day centres.

Day centres themselves may offer therapy groups, counselling and information. They can be a place for the individual to gain new skills and increase their confidence, they may also use it for a social activity.

mood stabilisers

Psychological Treatment

Psychological Treatment can help with depression, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. It’s a form of talking treatment which makes a speciality focus of how your thoughts, ideals and attitudes have an effect on your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping abilities for managing unique troubles.

It combines cognitive remedy inspecting the things you believe in and behaviour therapy, examining the stuff you do

is a type of which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems.

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

First Aid Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid Bipolar

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What is meant by the term Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is when an individual behaves in two opposite ways, it is an extreme mental illness, it provokes sudden mood swings and the individual will have times of feeling very high and then times of feeling very depressed and may experience strange hallucinations or delusions

What are the possible causes of bipolar disorder?

Science has shown that bipolar disorder is not fully understood, however, like many mental health illnesses there is different range of causes for bipolar disorder, such as the following

Genetic

  • It can be inherited and more likely it may run in the family, however no gene within the family maybe responsible for bipolar disorder

Everyday events

  • Bipolar disorder can be triggered by everyday life and stress, these may include
  • Stress at work or home
  • Relationships problems or breakdown in marriage
  • A tragic event such as a loss of life to family or friends
  • Emotional, violent or sexual abuse
  • Any type of physical illness  

Chemical imbalance

  • A traumatic event of situation can cause bipolar due to the disturbance of chemicals in the brain. Example could be norepinephrine or dopamine – an imbalance of these levels can cause bipolar disorder

What is a person with Bipolar like?

The feelings of bipolar disorder will vary depending on the individual, for example when an individual suffering with bipolar disorder is feeling high, or known as mania, it can seem like the best feeling and they will have a lot of energy and feel positive. It can make the person feel more productive whilst others may feel angry and restless.

When an individual suffering with Mental Health First Aid Bipolar feels low with depression they may have very low self-esteem and self-worth. It can restrict a person’s life as it can occur for a long duration. Some may suffer from hallucinations or believe they are untouchable. Some describe the manic bipolar as a buzz and exciting.

With both cases of individuals suffering with extreme bipolar disorder, these can last for weeks or in some cases even longer

How does Bipolar Disorder affects the individual and their life?

It can contribute to the individual having a negative outlook on life and thinking negatively, for example, the person cannot function or communicate well. It can affect judgement which can result in serious repercussions or regret.

People with bipolar may experience their life as a roller coaster of high and low emotions and this affects their daily route and life in general.  Examples could be relationship breakdowns and affect work, the individual may have to take a lot of time of work due to depression, it may also make it harder for the individual to hold employment and this could lead and financial problems.

The manic phase can challenge the individual to become aggressive and could lead to further problems like the unnecessary use of alcohol and or recreational drugs and in some cases leading to inappropriate sexual behaviour

With some severe cases of depression, some individuals with bipolar disorder maybe affected with their ability to deal with everyday life. This can be either physical, emotional, or social functioning, which can lead the individual to experience psychotic symptoms for example, hallucinations, paranoia, or even hearing of voices in their head.

The individual may also be much unaware of the help and support they need to help combat the illness.

How can an individual’s Bipolar Disorder may affect others?

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that not only affects the individual but those around them, such as family and friends – they could be affected in the following ways;

  • Emotional distress – This can be things such as grief, guilt or worry and will cause disruption in the regular daily routines.
  • Relationship breakdowns – this will cause tension if the individual is irritable as friends and family may become an easy target for their mood swing outbursts.
  • The family and friends may feel on edge and worried on what mood they are in and whether they are approachable to have discussions or even accept any help that can be offered. It can also cause finance problems which affect the family and home, resulting in a breakdown.
  • It can lead to disagreements where the individual suffering with bipolar disorder makes bad choices during their episodes and they are impossible to reason with.

Another factor in the way bipolar disorder may affect others is the lack of understanding of the illness. If family and friends have minimum understanding of the illness then they are going to become frustrated with the person and this could cause risky behaviour

What are the demands of daily life that may influence symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Individual suffering with bipolar disorder will experience different demands of normal daily life due to the different mood swings they may encounter.

Some demands of daily life that can influence symptoms could be:

Health problems;

This could influence bipolar and could also affect sleeping problems.

Stress or work problems;

Work demands and financial worries could influence this condition. Such as unemployment leading to debt problems and security such as housing poverty etc.

Problems in relationships;

This can be things such as, break down in marriage, bereavement or conflict and abuse

Domestic issues;

This can be community and social groups could encourage symptoms. Also, been in overcrowded groups or in poor environments. The daily life influence symptoms may also be having to care for elderly family members or even the stress of given birth

Mental Health First Aid Bipolar

For further information on our Mental Health First Aid Bipolar courses please contact us here or for our mental health done for you training package please see here

Mental Health First Aid | Depression

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What is meant by the term Depression?

Mental Health First Aid depression is a common mental sickness affecting more than 264 million humans global. It’s miles characterised by continual disappointment and a loss of hobby or pride in formerly rewarding or exciting activities. it could additionally disturb sleep and appetite; tiredness and negative awareness are commonplace. Depression is a leading purpose of incapacity around the arena and contributes greatly to the worldwide burden of disorder. The outcomes of melancholy may be lengthy-lasting or recurrent and may dramatically have an effect on a person’s ability to function and live a worthwhile life.

What are the Difference between feeling low and clinical depression?

The difference characteristics between feeling low and clinical depression is that a low mood will improve after a short length of time, clinical depression however, can last a longer length of time and be very draining for the individual who is suffering with it.

An individual who maybe feeling low can show signs and symptoms of tiredness, sadness, frustration or anger. A person suffering from clinical depression will show more severe signs such as suicidal thoughts, low mood swings and moral and feeling hopeless. Mental Health First Aid Depression

What are the Factors associated with psychotic depression? 

Factors that are associated with individuals who suffer with psychotic depression are delusions and hallucinations and this reflects on their own depressed moods. The delusions and hallucinations can become very negative and self-punishing.

A person with psychotic depression can often feel far from reality and may also be very agitated and not able to relax or even stay still becoming very fidget or constantly move their legs.

 What are the Possible causes of depression?

Possible causes of depression could be:

Personal lifestyle

such as substance misuse – this can make the individual more prone to depression as alcohol is a depressant, if consumed too often or abused it can bring on depression. Cannabis can lead to depression especially within the younger generation.

Genetic factors

such as a family who have history of depression. Some studies state that if could be inherited in some way. Genetic research often supports and suggests family links to depression.

Biological factors

such as hormone changes can lead to depression and could be a cause. Mental Health First Aid Depression. The hormones are proven to affect the brain chemistry which controls a person’s emotions and feelings.

Social causes

these can include family issues, adverse childhood experiences which may lead to negative thought patterns and low self-esteem.

What are the feelings an individual may have when experiencing depression?

As previously discussed, depression can and is a serious mental health illness with serious effects on the individual’s personal life. An individual may witness a variety of different feelings with depression and these could be psychological, physical or social symptoms.

Some psychological could be guilt, anxiety, continuous sadness or suicidal thoughts, even self-harming.

Physical symptoms maybe increase or decrease in weight, lack of sex drive, symptoms of pain, appetite changes, and sleep problems.

Social symptoms could include things such as, lack of performance at work, not engaging in any social activities with friends or family, lack of interest in activities. Another factor could be any relationship problems.

Mental Health First Aid Depression

Depression can affect individuals and their life’s in different ways, however here are some common examples could be:

Negative thoughts

  • This may cause the individual to lose interest in general life and activities they once participated in.  Depression can reduce energy levels so the individual may stop the things they once enjoyed and affect their ability to function.
  • Depression can affect the individual to neglect themselves such as personal hygiene, care and their general appearance. It can also affect dieting issues and can cause weight gain or weight loss.
  • Depression can affect the person to feel unsettled and stressed. It can cause tension and anxiety.
  • Depression can affect sleep patterns, they may sleep more due to the lack of energy and motivation. The individual could be become ill-tempered in the mornings or they may struggle to sleep due to stress and anxiety. Mental Health First Aid Depression

With the above said, the individual may become embarrassed to suffer with depression and may begin to isolate themselves from society or even find it difficult to socialise with friends and family.

How may an individual’s depression may affect others?

Family and friends may feel helpless and unable to support the individual appropriately. They may become angry and impatient as the individuals may appear difficult and awkward. Relationships may break down, people may avoid the individual which would make them feel lonelier. It can cause them to worry and suffer emotional and physical exhaustion, especially if the individual is very dependant and reliant. Friends may end up withdrawing and becoming isolated from their social network. They may experience loss of finances if they may have to quit working to support the individual.

Please click here to download the The Power of Positive Thinking videos and resources

How can the demands of normal daily life contribute to depression?

The demands with individuals suffering with depression can include; devastating effects in relationships such as marriage breakdown, physical or physiological abuse, turbulent relationships and disagreements with friends.

Work related issues and the feeling of been inadequate amongst peers and colleagues, the stress from work can deepen depression. Also, problems such as conflict or noise could contribute to depression.

If an individual usually has a daily routine and this is broke, it can make them feeling low, this could include domestic duties such as caring etc. Health related problems can also contribute to someone’s feelings.

During the uncertainty of COVID-19 lots of individuals will lose their employment status and the pressures of money issues and debt can worsen depression.

What local resources and treatments is available to an individual experiencing depression?

The first port of call is your local GP. They in turn will refer the individual for further and appropriate advice and treatment and will advise any appropriate medication.

Support groups can give individuals more information and provide positive support from similar people experiencing this condition. The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) would also offer local support

Treatments

A few treatments that could be used would be:

Anti-depressant is a prescription drug can help balance all chemicals in the brain which play a part in how someone feels and acts. Anti-depressants activate the activity of chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline.

Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is competed under a general anaesthesia

And helps relax muscles which can encourage natural breathing –  an electrical current is given to the brain by placing electrodes on the persons temples.

Talking therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy is another therapy type which individuals to express their thoughts and are encouraged to explore positive changes.

What resources and treatments is there to support and help a person with psychotic depression?

Resources would be the individuals GP, will make a diagnosis and assessment in order to refer the individual if required, to see a specialist – this could determine whether any safeguarding measures are put in place if they felt the individual was at high risk due to their mental health.

NHS mental health professional

Many people suffering psychotic depression often needs hospital treatment and followed up by mental health professional and will make a diagnostic assessment in order to prescribe the appropriate medication

Anti-psychotic medication is given to many people suffering with psychotic depression but the individuals have the right to refuse. They also could be offered other drugs such as antidepressants or mood stabiliser

Family intervention 

This allows key family members in a therapeutic gathering to focuses on helping the family member suffering from psychotic depression to discuss with each other

Key discussions will focus on things such as, what can help they can receive and also look at certain problems and solutions as a plan of action moving forward. Your local GP will advise you where this is available in your area.

For further information on any mental health please contact us here or if you would like to book an in-house mental health awareness first aid course