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October 31 2023
Read moreBipolar disorder is a health problem that affects 1 in every 100 people in the UK.
It has serious implications on a person’s mood–affecting their output, relationships, and day-to-day life.
As an employer, you have a duty of care to look after your staff. Our employee wellbeing services can help you fully understand bipolar disorders, as well as support staff through their condition.
Let's take a look at what bipolar disorder is, signs for the illness, and how to support employees suffering during work.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition which causes extreme mood changes. This swing from one emotion to another is also known as manic depression.
People can experience feelings of hopelessness (depression) to intense energy or euphoria (hypomania)–all in the space of one episode.
Working full time with bipolar disorder can prove difficult for many employees. The spontaneous nature of the condition makes maintaining relationships difficult–both in professional and personal life.
Bipolar disorder is different for everyone who experiences it; and can last for weeks, even months.
Despite having a range of signs, we can categorise bipolar disorder into two types of episodes: depression and mania.
In common cases, people receive an early diagnosis for depression long before bipolar disorder. When someone goes through an episode of depression, they may feel:
Hypomania is the milder form, which doesn’t last long and has lower impacts on a person’s functionality.
Mania involves feeling high or extreme emotions–positive and negative. Some of the most common symptoms of mania:
How an EAP helps with mental health
We don’t exactly know what specifically causes bipolar disorder. But there are several things which may lead to its development. These include:
Bipolar disorder affects 1 in every 100 individuals; and people can be diagnosed at any stage of their life.
It’s commonly found in people between the ages of 15 and 40. And gender, race, and ethnicity don't play a huge defining factor either.
Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed into different types. These are determined by mood, episodes, symptoms, and effects. The different types include:
In the UK, bipolar disorder can legally class as a disability–but only under certain conditions.
Under the Equality Act (2010), the illness must have 'substantial and long-term effects on the ability to carry out day-to-day activities’.
The act states the disability must last for at least 12 months. And their condition shouldn’t allow them to perform regular work tasks, like efficiently using a computer.
As an employer, you also cannot discriminate against someone with a disability, as it counts as a protected characteristics.
If an employee mentions their bipolar disorder–or other health conditions–legally you must provide reasonable adjustments.
Whatever their condition might be, remember you can work with bipolar disorder. It might seem difficult, but you have a legal and moral duty to support their needs.
Here's how to support an employee with bipolar disorder:
If an employee suffers from bipolar disorder and work issues, offer support through medical referrals. This allows them to gain proper diagnosis for their condition.
They could be given medication or counselling (like cognitive behavioural therapy or CBD).
One of the best ways you can help, as a business, is through reasonable adjustments.
This allows employees to continue working alongside their condition; and perform to the best of their ability.
Adjustments can range from amending their tasks to changing the dynamics of the work culture.
People with health conditions (especially mental health) often suffer in silence.
So, it’s important to keep open channels of communication and let them heal through talking. You'll be able to understand more about their specific condition, and see how you can offer tailored support.
Bipolar disorder and workplace discrimination continues to be a common workplace issue because of mental health stigmas.
So many employees refuse to disclose their illness, in fear of harassment or victimisation. You can eliminate stigmas through:
Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers a 24/7 counselling helpline that supports employees with bipolar disorder. Our qualified counsellors are here to provide a listening ear anytime, anywhere.
Our manager support service helps supervisors and senior leaders improve their approach to mental health at work.
Want to find out more? Book a free consultation with one of our wellbeing consultants. Call us on 0800 206 2547 for help on promoting health and wellbeing at work.
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