Bipolar Disorder Warning Signs Worksheet
By
HappierTherapy
Author bio
The Happier Therapy editorial team is made up of Masters and PhD counselling psychologists. Each worksheet is created by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The worksheet then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
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What is the theory behind this Bipolar Disorder Warning Signs Worksheet?
Bipolar Affective disorder, also called Manic Depression, is a severe mood disorder characterised by exaggerated and unpredictable mood swings. People with Bipolar Disorder experience cyclic ‘high’ and ‘low’ moods that may vary in intensity and length. If they become aware of the early warning signs of an impending episode they can take helpful measures to prevent it from becoming worse.
How will the worksheet help?
This worksheet will help clients observe and note down the early signs that indicate an oncoming mood episode. This is a step further from recognizing the symptoms that are unique to one’s condition. These signs indicate movement towards a full blown episode in the future. Regular mood monitoring and detection of early warning signs can help empower individuals to take control of their symptoms.
How to use the worksheet?
Instruct the client to be observant of their thoughts and actions when their mood is moderately elevated or moderately low. These can be early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode in the future. Tell them to monitor these signs on a daily basis and use coping strategies or seek help as soon as they notice an increase in frequency and intensity of those signs.