Bipolar: No-one knew how to react to Loren’s mental health issues

WHEN Loren was off work for two months, no-one sent her a card.

But it wasn’t because her colleagues didn’t care, it was because she’d had a breakdown and many still don’t understand how to deal with mental health issues.

As Loren, one of Bipolar UK’s Media Ambassadors, explains: “A few months prior, a colleague had a burst appendix and was off work for three weeks. We sent her a big bunch of flowers, a card from our team and a basket of Australian goodies.

“I was off work for nine weeks in the end, and I had no contact from anyone in the business. It upset me.

“I realised later that HR had recommended no contact because my breakdown had occurred due to high work stress, and they thought that if colleagues contacted me, it would bring additional pressure to come back too soon.

“I’m not sure if it would have or not, but I did feel annoyed I didn’t even get a card.

“Most people these days seem happy to break down barriers and taboos about mental health,” Loren goes on.

“Usually, this means talking about depression, as many know someone affected by it or can relate in some way.

“Bipolar can have depressive episodes, but also mania, which means treatment is different to just taking anti-depressants.

“I think people don’t understand bipolar very well, as the term is too commonly used to describe erratic behaviour or severe mood swings.

“I strongly associate my initial diagnosis with work.

“I had just passed my probation with a new company, was working on an intense project with difficult clients under high pressure, still learning a lot about the company and brands I was representing.

“I was also trying to have a social life, working very late most nights, up early, and working some weekends.

“There were personal factors, too, but it was predominantly stress from work.

“I eventually became manic.

As this had never happened to me before, and because my personality traits can be similar to the symptoms of mania — high energy, talkative, jumping quickly from one thought to another — there was no way of realising what was actually happening or how severe it would become.

“My other half could tell I’d had some form of mental breakdown and sought advice from my GP, who recommended taking me to A&E where I was seen immediately by the on-call psych team.

“I am still very thankful to him that he didn’t have me admitted to a psych ward and chose to try to care for me at home, with the home treatment team visiting me twice daily.

“Slowly, they saw me less, I started visiting the hospital daily, and eventually that decreased as I got better.”

When she was ready to return to work, Loren admits: “Going back to work was scary.

“My boss had been incredible, explaining that no-one knew why I had been off except for those who needed to.

“I was especially grateful that no-one asked why I had been off.

“I wasn’t ready to explain, but everyone said they were happy to see me and hoped I was OK.

“I think in this society, if someone is off work for an extended period of time and nobody says why, people assume it’s not due to physical reasons but mental health or stress leave.

“I’m a pretty open person and never saw what happened to me as a bad thing, just as a sign that I needed to redress balance in my life.

“I am happy to tell people, but choose to do so when I feel it is appropriate and I feel comfortable.

“I’ll disclose my condition at some point with anyone I work with closely, as I need their support in keeping an eye on me.

“Whilst I manage my condition relatively well, I still like to have someone watching out in case they spot any symptoms.

“I think the most-important advice I can offer is that if someone confides in you, or if you are worried about someone, take it seriously.

“It’s important that you don’t treat it like some debilitating ailment, though.

“Ask: ‘Are you OK?’ if you feel someone is acting out of character.

“If you think it’s inappropriate to ask in front of your colleagues, talk to them quietly as they’re making a cup of tea.

“Just knowing someone is paying attention or is willing to ask about you and any health issues you may have can mean so much.”

Bipolar UK is the national charity that enables people with bipolar to take control of their lives. Contact them on 0333 323 3880 or info@bipolaruk.org with more info at www.bipolaruk.org