Feeling very energetic, or in a very good mood more than usual can be a sign of something called mania. This is part of a condition known as bipolar disorder, which involves extreme mood changes. Learners with bipolar disorder may have periods of high energy and happiness, known as mania, and other times when they feel very sad or tired, known as depression. During manic episodes, learners might act impulsively, take risks, or have trouble focusing. These mood changes are not due to a lack of effort or poor behaviour but are linked to how the brain works. In the classroom, these mood swings can make it hard for learners to concentrate, complete tasks, or interact with peers. Understanding these signs can help educators provide the right support and create a positive learning environment.
What is typical?
Feeling happy and energetic is a normal part of growing up. Learners often experience changes in their mood based on what’s happening around them. These feelings usually come and go and are related to events like playing with friends or doing well in school. Here’s what you might expect to see at different ages:
- By age 5: Learners may have short bursts of energy and excitement, often related to playtime or special events.
- Between ages 6 and 8: Learners start to understand their emotions better but might still have trouble controlling them.
- By ages 9 and 11: Learners experience more complex emotions and mood changes related to school and friendships.
- By ages 12 and 14: Mood swings might become more intense due to changes during puberty, but they are usually short-lived and manageable.
These feelings are a normal part of growing up, and everyone experiences them differently. It’s important for educators to recognise when these feelings are typical and when they might indicate something more.
When should I be concerned?
While mood changes are common, there are times when feeling great and energetic can become a concern. If a learner starts showing extreme changes in mood or behaviour, it might be a sign of something more serious. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Extreme changes in personality: The learners might seem like a different person during these periods.
- Very high moods (mania): The learners might be extremely happy, energetic, talkative, and impulsive. They may have trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, and grandiose ideas. In severe cases, they may lose touch with reality (psychosis).
- Risky behaviour: The student might do things without thinking or take more risks than usual for their age group.
- Rapid changes between highs and lows: The student might switch quickly from feeling very happy to feeling sad or angry.
- Mixed episodes: The learners might experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, such as feeling sad but also having racing thoughts and agitation.
- Social Disruptions: Learners disrupting class dynamics such as engaging in attention-seeking behaviour (being talkative/making noise).
- Mood swings that interfere with daily life: The learner’s mood swings may make it hard for them to do well in school, get along with others, or take care of themselves.
If you notice these signs in a learner, it is important to consider these behaviours in the context of their overall well-being and academic performance.
What can I do to help?
As an educator, you can support learners experiencing these challenges by creating a stable and understanding environment. Here are some strategies you can use:
- Create a consistent routine: Regular schedules for class activities can help learners feel more secure and balanced.
- Encourage healthy habits: Promote good nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques to help manage energy levels.
- Provide a safe and supportive space: Make sure learners feel comfortable talking about their feelings without judgment.
- Teach coping skills: Help learners learn healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions.
- Limit stressors: Reduce exposure to stressful situations or triggers whenever possible.
- Monitor sleep patterns: Encourage learners to maintain regular sleep habits, as changes in sleep can impact mood.
- Communicate with caregivers: Keep an open line of communication with parents to ensure a coordinated approach to support (help the families access health care).
Where to find more information
For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.