Donate
Find Help Now

COVID-19 Tips

Disclaimer:

This publication is based on a Mind UK publication and the original version may be found here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Thank you to Mind UK for sharing their valuable content with us. Content included in Mental Health A-Z is made available free of charge and does not form part of any commercial activity. The adaptation has been done independently by Mind HK and is intended for general information purposes only.

Managing bipolar disorder during COVID-19

<Back to managing mental health problems and symptoms

Possible challenges they face

  • Stressors around the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to a higher chance of triggering an episode for individuals living with bipolar disorder. As the uncertainty and restrictions may prompt mood instability. Moreover, people in a manic or hypomanic episode may find it difficult to comply with social restrictions and safety measures, which also heightens chances of infection.

Managing symptoms

  • Take your medication regularly. If you are running out of medications, please contact your clinic to see if a drug refill is available. Discuss with your doctor If you want to adjust the dosage.
  • Stick to a daily routine. The uncertain nature of the pandemic can make you feel unstable and stressful. Following a routine helps to ground yourself and gives you senses of stability and control.
  • Take breaks and stay away from social media and the news. Get updates from trustable sources, and minimise exposure to sensational information on the internet and social media.
  • Get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can be a major trigger for people experiencing bipolar disorder. Getting enough sleep can stabilise your mood and shorten an episode. Here are some tips on improving your sleep.

Managing a crisis situation

  • Set a crisis plan. Create a crisis plan with people around you, including what kind of help you want, so they know how to handle an emergency.
  • If you are in distress or having suicidal feelings, here is a list of hotlines or online counselling services that are available:
    • 24-hour hotline counselling services:
      • Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): 2389 2222
      • The Samaritans (Multilingual): 2896 0000
      • Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre 24-hour (Cantonese only): 18288
      • Suicide Prevention Service: 2382 0000
    • Online counselling services:
  • If you are at risk of harming yourself or people around you, please dial 999 or visit closest A&E. For more mental health services provided by local NGOs, please visit our community directory.

How can friends and family help

  • Learn more about bipolar disorder
  • Make a plan for manic/hypomanic episodes. Having a plan can help both of you to feel stable and under control.
  • Learn their signs and Identify their triggers. Understanding signs and triggers for them can help to avoid or better manage an episode.
  • Providing assistance. Ensure they are maintaining a healthy routine, discuss how you can help or support them, or even plan with them regarding possible crisis situations and during a manic episode.
Instagram Facebook-f Linkedin
What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

Managing bipolar disorder

Managing bipolar disorder during COVID-19

<Back to managing mental health problems and symptoms

Possible challenges they face

  • Stressors around the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to a higher chance of triggering an episode for individuals living with bipolar disorder. As the uncertainty and restrictions may prompt mood instability. Moreover, people in a manic or hypomanic episode may find it difficult to comply with social restrictions and safety measures, which also heightens chances of infection.

Managing symptoms

  • Take your medication regularly. If you are running out of medications, please contact your clinic to see if a drug refill is available. Discuss with your doctor If you want to adjust the dosage.
  • Stick to a daily routine. The uncertain nature of the pandemic can make you feel unstable and stressful. Following a routine helps to ground yourself and gives you senses of stability and control.
  • Take breaks and stay away from social media and the news. Get updates from trustable sources, and minimise exposure to sensational information on the internet and social media.
  • Get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can be a major trigger for people experiencing bipolar disorder. Getting enough sleep can stabilise your mood and shorten an episode. Here are some tips on improving your sleep.

Managing a crisis situation

  • Set a crisis plan. Create a crisis plan with people around you, including what kind of help you want, so they know how to handle an emergency.
  • If you are in distress or having suicidal feelings, here is a list of hotlines or online counselling services that are available:
    • 24-hour hotline counselling services:
      • Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): 2389 2222
      • The Samaritans (Multilingual): 2896 0000
      • Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre 24-hour (Cantonese only): 18288
      • Suicide Prevention Service: 2382 0000
    • Online counselling services:
  • If you are at risk of harming yourself or people around you, please dial 999 or visit closest A&E. For more mental health services provided by local NGOs, please visit our community directory.

How can friends and family help

  • Learn more about bipolar disorder
  • Make a plan for manic/hypomanic episodes. Having a plan can help both of you to feel stable and under control.
  • Learn their signs and Identify their triggers. Understanding signs and triggers for them can help to avoid or better manage an episode.
  • Providing assistance. Ensure they are maintaining a healthy routine, discuss how you can help or support them, or even plan with them regarding possible crisis situations and during a manic episode.