Courses · Mental Health & Positive Outcomes
Supporting a Person Living with Bipolar Disorder
Understand mania, hypomania and bipolar depression, support stability through routine, and recognise lithium toxicity and early warning signs before a crisis.
About this certificate
This is a non-accredited professional development module and the Certificate of Completion is not a Statement of Attainment. It does not qualify you to diagnose, assess risk formally, or provide therapy. Clinical decisions about diagnosis, medication and treatment belong to the person and their treating team. In an emergency call 000; for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
About this module
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of elevated and depressed mood that can profoundly disrupt a person's life — and between episodes many people are completely well. This module covers bipolar I and II, what mania and bipolar depression look like, early warning signs and wellness plans, the role of sleep and routine, mood stabilisers including lithium and the signs of lithium toxicity, supporting someone during an episode, financial and sexual vulnerability during mania, and suicide risk.
Who it is for
Support workers, SIL staff and psychosocial recovery workers supporting a participant living with bipolar disorder.
What you will be able to do
- Describe bipolar disorder and distinguish mania, hypomania and bipolar depression
- Support stability through sleep, routine and a wellness plan
- Recognise the signs of lithium toxicity and respond urgently
- Support a person safely during a manic or depressive episode
- Recognise elevated suicide risk and respond appropriately
Aligned to
- NDIS Practice Standards — Provision of Supports
- National Framework for Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Services
- RANZCP Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders
Lesson plan
What the module covers
| # | Lesson | What it covers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Understanding bipolar disorder | Highs, lows, and the long stretches of wellness in between. | 12m |
| 02 | Staying well, and medication safety | Routine, wellness plans, and the lithium signs you must not miss. | 12m |
| 03 | Supporting someone during an episode | Mania, depression, vulnerability, and knowing when to escalate. | 11m |
| ✓ | Final assessment | 10 scenario-based questions · pass mark 80% · unlimited attempts | ~15m |
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