Saturday, 7 February 2026

Mental health and support Module 2

 

Slide / PowerPoint Content:

Slide 1: Title – Anxiety Disorders

Slide 2: What it is – Excessive worry or fear

Slide 3: Types – GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias

Slide 4: Support – Therapy, relaxation, school/work support

Slide 5: Symbols – 💭😟


B – Bipolar Disorder

Definition: A mood disorder involving extreme mood changes: depression and mania/hypomania.

Symptoms:

Mental Health Module: Easy Read – All Levels

Section 1: Bipolar Disorder

Slide / Word Section Title: Bipolar Disorder – Understanding Mood Changes
🧩 Symbol: Sun + Rain Cloud

What is Bipolar Disorder?

A serious mental health condition causing big changes in mood, energy, and activity.

People can move between high moods (mania or hypomania) and low moods (depression).

Affects sleep, thinking, concentration, work, school, and relationships.

Long-term support is often needed.

High Moods: Mania / Hypomania

Feeling very happy, excited, or euphoric

Lots of energy, needing very little sleep

Racing thoughts, talking quickly

Irritability or anger

Impulsive behaviour (spending, risky choices)

Poor judgement; in severe cases, psychosis

Low Moods: Depression

Deep sadness or hopelessness

Low energy, loss of interest

Trouble concentrating

Sleep or appetite changes

Feeling worthless, guilt, suicidal thoughts

Episodic Nature of Mood Changes

Mood changes happen over days, weeks, or months

Some people have periods of stable mood in between

Everyone’s pattern is different

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I: At least one full manic episode; may include depressive episodes

Bipolar II: At least one hypomanic episode (milder high) and one major depressive episode; no full manic episodes

Causes & Risk Factors

Genetics / family history

Brain chemistry / structure

Stressful life events or trauma

Not caused by personal weakness

Treatment & Long-Term Management

Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, careful antidepressant use

Talking therapies: CBT, psychotherapy to understand moods, coping strategies, early warning signs

Lifestyle: Regular sleep, healthy eating, stress management, avoiding alcohol and drugs

Intensive support: Hospital care during severe episodes, treating co-occurring issues

Impact on Daily Life

Can affect work, education, relationships, routines

Consistent treatment and understanding improve quality of life

Crisis & Support (U.S.-appropriate)

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm? Call/text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Emergency: 911

Doctor / mental health professional for diagnosis and ongoing support

Optional Easy Read Quiz

Bipolar disorder mainly affects: Mood and energy Hearing Vision

Includes periods of: High and low moods Only happiness Only sadness

True/False: Bipolar disorder is caused by weakness. True False

Signs of mania/hypomania? Little sleep Racing thoughts Impulsive behaviours Low energy

Signs of depression? Hopelessness Loss of interest Suicidal thoughts Extreme excitement

Answer Guide:

Mood and energy

High and low moods

False

Little sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behaviour

Hopelessness, loss of interest, suicidal thoughts

Learning Reminders Throughout

No judgement, no pressure

Focus on understanding and support

Respect autonomy and privacy

Emphasize recovery, hope, and help-seeking


Section 2: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD / EUPD)

💔 Symbol: Broken heart

Key Points:

Emotional instability, fear of abandonment, impulsiveness

Support: DBT, MBT, emotional support

Understanding helps reduce stigma; does not excuse harmful behaviour


Section 3: Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa: Restricted eating, fear of weight gain. Support: Specialist therapy, nutrition support 🍎
Bulimia Nervosa: Bingeing and purging. Support: Specialist therapy, nutrition support
🍽
Binge Eating Disorder: Eating uncontrollably. Support: CBT, therapy, nutrition support
🍲
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Excessive concern about appearance. Support: CBT, therapy, support groups
🪞


Section 4: C & D Conditions (examples)

Claustrophobia: Fear of small spaces. Support: Gradual exposure therapy 🏠
Conduct Disorder: Trouble following rules, aggression. Support: Behaviour therapy
⚖️
Cyclothymia: Mild mood swings. Support: Therapy, mood monitoring
🌈
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy. Support: Therapy, medication, routines

Depression Key Points:

Psychological, physical, and social symptoms

Exists on a spectrum: mild, minor, major

Impacts daily life, work, relationships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depressive episodes: sadness, low energy, hopelessness

Manic/hypomanic episodes: high energy, impulsive behaviour, less need for sleep

Support:

Medication (mood stabilizers)

Therapy (CBT, psychoeducation)

Lifestyle and routine management

Symbols/Visuals: (lightning for mood swings), ☁️☀️ (cloud/sun for mood changes)

Level 1 – Easy Read:

Bipolar disorder means moods go very high or very low.

People can get help from doctors, therapists, and support groups.

Level 2 – More Detail:

Bipolar disorder affects thinking, energy, and behaviour.

Episodes can last days or weeks and impact work, school, and relationships.

Treatment helps manage mood and prevent crises.

Slide / PowerPoint Content:

Slide 1: Title – Bipolar Disorder

Slide 2: What it is – Extreme mood changes

Slide 3: Symptoms – Depression, mania/hypomania

Slide 4: Support – Medication, therapy, routine

Slide 5: Symbols – ⚡☁️☀️


B – Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Definition: Intense emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and self-image difficulties. Often linked to trauma.

Support:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Support groups

Medication for mood/anxiety symptoms

Symbols/Visuals: 💔 (heart for emotional distress), ⚖️ (balance for emotional regulation)

Level 1 – Easy Read:

People with BPD have very strong feelings and may struggle with relationships.

Help is available from therapists, support groups, and doctors.

Level 2 – More Detail:

BPD affects emotions, self-image, and relationships.

People may feel empty, afraid of rejection, or act impulsively.

Therapy and support can help manage emotions and improve relationships.

Slide / PowerPoint Content:

Slide 1: Title – Borderline Personality Disorder

Slide 2: What it is – Intense emotions, unstable relationships

Slide 3: Symptoms – Fear of abandonment, impulsivity, self-image issues

Slide 4: Support – Therapy, support groups, medication

Slide 5: Symbols – 💔⚖️


B – Brief Psychotic Disorder

Definition: A short-term psychotic episode with hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech, often triggered by extreme stress.

Support:

Psychiatric evaluation

Medication (antipsychotics) if needed

Therapy and social support

Symbols/Visuals: 🌀 (confusion), 👁️ (hallucinations)

Level 1 – Easy Read:

Brief psychotic disorder means a short time when someone may see or hear things others do not.

Help is available from doctors and mental health services.

Level 2 – More Detail:

Symptoms can appear suddenly and are usually temporary.

Recovery is possible with early intervention and support.

Understanding triggers and therapy reduces risk of recurrence.

Slide / PowerPoint Content:

Slide 1: Title – Brief Psychotic Disorder

Slide 2: What it is – Short-term psychotic episode

Slide 3: Symptoms – Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech

Slide 4: Support – Psychiatric care, therapy, social support

Slide 5: Symbols – 🌀👁️


B – Bulimia Nervosa

Definition: Eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, laxatives).

Support:

Therapy (CBT, eating disorder therapy)

Nutritional support

Medical monitoring

Symbols/Visuals: 🍽️⚠️ (food + warning)

Level 1 – Easy Read:

Bulimia is when someone eats a lot and then tries to get rid of it.

It is linked to feelings and mental health.

Help is available from doctors and therapists.

Level 2 – More Detail:

Bulimia affects both mental and physical health.

It can cause dehydration, dental problems, stomach issues, and emotional distress.

Support helps manage eating habits, feelings, and recovery.

Slide / PowerPoint Content:

Slide 1: Title – Bulimia Nervosa

Slide 2: What it is – Bingeing and purging

Slide 3: Symptoms – Eating habits, emotional distress, physical risks

Slide 4: Support – Therapy, nutritional help, medical monitoring

Slide 5: Symbols – 🍽️⚠️


These B entries are now ready for Easy Read handouts, PowerPoint slides, and educational use.

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