This presentation provides information about bipolar disorder for families and friends of those suffering from the illness. It aims to help audiences better understand the illness and how to support loved ones coping with it. Bipolar disorder causes people to experience symptoms of both depression and mania, including racing thoughts, hyperactivity, reckless behavior, and mood swings between feeling happy and sad. The presentation stresses the importance of medical treatment, therapy, and social support for recovery, as without continual love and support from networks, managing the illness long-term can be challenging.

1. HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Presented by I M Confident Niagara Canada
Created by Brenda Silveira February 2010
www.imconfident.com

2. THIS IS A SPECIAL
PRESENTATION ABOUT
MENTAL ILLNESS
• The second presentation in the series is
about BIPOLAR DISORDER
• It is for families and friends of people
suffering from this illness
• The purpose of this presentation is to
– help you understand the illness better
– Help you know how to help your loved one
cope with the illness

3. BIPOLAR DISORDER IS A
VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS
People with bipolar
disorder suffer from
the same symptoms of
depression but also
suffer from many other
symptoms when they
are having a manic
episode. The following
slides will show you a
few of the symptoms to
watch for.

4. “KNOW-IT-ALL”,EXALTED

5. ENERGETIC, HYPERACTIVE
CAN’T BE STILL

6. COMPULSIVE BUYING
FINANCIALLY IRRESPONSIBLE

7. RACING THOUGHTS
“FLIGHT OF IDEAS”

8. WILD DANCING, CHILDISH
LOUD LAUGHTER

9. SUPER AWARE
SHARP THINKING
???

10. DESTRUCTIVE TO OTHERS
AND SELF, ABUSIVE

11. HAPPY AND SAD AT THE
SAME TIME

12. ALL ALONE, HATED BY ALL

13. BIPOLAR DISORDER IS A
VERY CONTROLLING ILLNESS
It is extremely important to get medical help, so a
proper assessment can be made.
With the correct medication, therapy and self help,
it is possible to recover.
It is also important that family and friends
emotionally support the person with the illness
Without continuing, loving support – recovery is not
always possible.

14. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Follow the same do’s and don’t discussed in
the presentation about DEPRESSION.
Bipolar disorder is very difficult for the person
with the illness to cope. Their lives are
always up and down and they need
constant support from family and friends to
survive.
It may be very difficult at times, but with your
loving support, their lives can be very
productive and fulfilled.

15. ABOVE ALL, MAKE THEM
FEEL LOVED AND WANTED