Bipolar Disorder
The ability to feel a wide range of moods and emotions like joy and sadness is a natural part of human life. Moods and emotions helps us to make sense of the world. For people suffering from a bipolar disorder, their mood states are more extreme, last for long periods and make it hard to function in everyday life. Bipolar disorder is a major mood disorder in which people have two distinct types of episodes of opposite extremes of mania and depression.
A manic episode is a period of euphoric or ‘high’ mood lasting at least a week. During this state, individuals have increased energy and activity levels and appear talkative and overconfident. They may need less sleep and behave recklessly, such as overspending or driving dangerously. Hypomania is the term for a less severe form of mania.
To be considered a manic episode, the mood change must last at least one week and be severe enough to cause problems at work, school or in social activities or relationships. A hypomanic episode is less severe, shorter in duration and does not include psychotic symptoms.
An episode of depression is a period of sad or low mood lasting at least two weeks. People with depression have low energy and find it hard to concentrate or work effectively. They have negative thoughts, lose interest in normal activities and become withdrawn. Some people may become suicidal during an episode of depression.
The pattern of mood swings is different for each person. Some may have an episode of mania once every few years, while others may have several episodes a year. Occasionally, the symptoms of both mania and depression can occur at the same time (mixed features). A person may also develop rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, characterised by four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed symptoms within a year.
Some people with bipolar disorder can become suicidal. The suicide rate is about 20 times higher than in the general population. If you think a person is in immediate danger from suicide, call Triple zero (000) (or 112 from a mobile phone) immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact us on 8448 1106.
Values
We foster a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel secure enough to openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Sensitivity
Every individual is supported in a conscious and considerate approach taking into account your needs.
Open-mindedness
Every individual is treated in an unprejudiced and non-judgemental manner.
Opportunity
Every individual has the right to be heard and be provided with choice and control as to how they work towards their goals.
Trust
Every person can confidently rely on the assurance that their funding is looked after as if it were our own.
Honesty
We will always be truthful, sincere and frank in all our communications with every individual.
Integrity
Every individual with be treated with the highest of moral and ethical standards.
Nurturing
Every individual will be treated with the level of support as chosen by them to assist them in working towards and achieving their goals.
Gratitude
We will act with gratitude in every interaction we have with each individual for the faith they hold in us to assist them with their NDIS funding.
Mindful
We will be attentive to the needs of every individual and be aware and careful in our responsibility to each individual.
Individuality
Every individual will be treated taking into account their distinctiveness and qualities and uniqueness.
Nexus
Every individual is supported to connect not only with the greater community and support services, but with family and friends.
Dignity
We will treat every individual with the utmost of respect and appreciation.
Specialness
Every individual will not be secluded but instead included, and treated as an extraordinary and exceptional person.
Get In Touch
Please feel free to get in touch with us via the below form. Once we have received your enquiry one of our plan managers will be in touch with you within 1 business day. Thank you