Easy Read – Understanding Bipolar Disorder Level 1 Module

 

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Page 1 – What is bipolar disorder? 🧠

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition.
It causes strong changes in:

• Mood (how you feel)

• Energy

• Sleep

• Concentration

• Daily life activities

Types of Episodes

🌟 Mania

• Feeling very excited, full of energy, or irritable

• Racing thoughts, less sleep, risky choices

• Can last at least 7 days

⚡ Hypomania

• Like mania but less strong

• Noticeable changes in mood and energy

• Does not usually need hospital care

😔 Depression

• Feeling very sad or hopeless

• Tired, low energy

• Problems with sleep or appetite

• Lasts at least 2 weeks

🔄 Mixed Episodes

• Feeling high and low at the same time

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Other Important Facts

• Bipolar disorder is different from depression – it includes manic or hypomanic episodes too.

• Rapid cycling: Some people have 4 or more mood episodes in a year.

• Cyclothymic disorder: Milder mood swings that last for years.

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Treatment and Support

💊 Medicines

• Mood stabilisers

• Antipsychotics

• Sometimes antidepressants (carefully monitored)

💬 Therapy and support groups

• Learning coping skills

• Understanding moods

• Improving relationships

• Recognizing early warning signs

🌱 Lifestyle support

• Regular sleep

• Healthy eating

• Stress management

• Avoid alcohol and drugs

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Impact on Daily Life

Bipolar disorder can affect:

• Work or school

• Relationships with family and friends

• Daily routines

With treatment and support, many people live full and meaningful lives.

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Emergency Help

If you or someone else is at risk of suicide or self-harm:

U.S. Helplines

• Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) – 24/7

• Call 911 in an emergency

Outside the U.S.

• Contact local emergency or crisis services

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Page 2 – Quiz Questions ✏️

1. What does bipolar disorder affect?
a) Only mood
b) Mood, energy, sleep, and daily life ✅
c) Only sleep

2. What is mania?
a) Feeling very excited or full of energy, with risky behavior ✅
b) Feeling a little tired
c) Having a cold

3. What is hypomania?
a) A less strong form of mania ✅
b) The same as depression
c) A type of sleep problem

4. How long do depressive episodes usually last?
a) At least 2 weeks ✅
b) 1 day
c) 1 year

5. What does rapid cycling mean?
a) Riding a bike very quickly
b) 4 or more mood episodes in a year ✅
c) Having only one mood swing

6. What is cyclothymic disorder?
a) Very strong manic episodes
b) Milder mood swings lasting for years ✅
c) A type of anxiety disorder

7. Name one type of treatment for bipolar disorder.

• Medicines

• Therapy

• Support groups

• Healthy lifestyle

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Learning Reminder

• There are no right or wrong answers.

• This is here to help you understand bipolar disorder.

• Take your time, and ask for support if you need it.