Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mental health condition that can have a profound effect on your ability to work and day-to-day functioning. A knowledgeable Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) lawyer can determine whether you have a TPD claim for bipolar disorder.
At TPD Compensation Lawyers, we specialise in a wide range of TPD claims for mental health. We take an individualised approach, evaluating your circumstances and their impact and thoroughly reviewing your TPD insurance cover. This in-depth assessment allows us to prepare your application effectively and improves the likelihood of a TPD payout.
Find out if you have a TPD claim for bipolar disorder. TPD Compensation Lawyers serve clients in Melbourne and all of Victoria. Call 03 9966 7188 today for a FREE consultation.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a type of chronic mood disorder. It is characterised by extreme changes in mood—from very happy, even euphoric, to intensely sad and depressed. According to healthdirect, 1 in 50 Aussies live with bipolar disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience manic and depressive episodes. Each phase has distinct symptoms.
- The symptoms of a manic episode may include:
- Feeling extremely energetic, active, and/or restless
- Reduced need for sleep
- Irritability
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech, often moving quickly from one topic to another
- Being easily distracted
- Over confidence and grandiosity
- Impulsive and risk-taking behaviour
- Psychosis (rarely)
- The symptoms of a depressive episode may include:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Decreased appetite
- Sleeplessness, or sleeping more than usual
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
- Help is available if you are thinking about hurting yourself. Call Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14 if you are in need of support.
The length of a manic or depressive episode can vary. Both the symptoms you experience and their intensity may also change.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
If you experience symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is critical to get help from a qualified medical professional. A complete mental health assessment is the first step towards understanding your condition and finding the right treatment options.
There are three types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I
People with bipolar I have experienced a minimum of one manic episode in the course of their lives. The episode or episodes may be accompanied by periods of hypomania (manic symptoms that are less severe than full-blown mania) and/or a major depressive episode (severe depression lasting 2 weeks or more).
Manic episodes with bipolar I can persist for a week or longer. People with bipolar I are at risk for psychosis (i.e., a break from reality) and are more likely to require hospitalisation.
Bipolar II
With bipolar II, a person has experienced at least one episode of major depression and one or more hypomanic episodes. These episodes may be interspersed with periods of ‘normal’ functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder
People with cyclothymic disorder experience milder forms of depression and hypomania. Unfortunately, the episodes tend to last much longer than they do with bipolar disorder.
ReachOut Australia summarises the diagnostic criteria for cyclothymic disorder as follows:
‘A diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder requires some hypomania and depression symptoms, but not enough of them to meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or II. The symptoms must have been experienced on and off for at least two years, and intervals without any symptoms at all would have been less than two months.’
Can I Claim TPD If I Have Bipolar?
You may be able to lodge a TPD claim for bipolar disorder if you are unable to work. The exact definition of Total and Permanent Disability can be found in your insurance policy, and a knowledgeable TPD claims lawyer can determine whether you meet the criteria.
Do you suffer from bipolar disorder or another mental illness? Get a FREE Claim Check.
Is Bipolar Disorder Considered a Disability?
Total and Permanent Disability is entirely separate from the concept of legal disability. People with bipolar disorder may have certain legal protections, but their entitlement to TPD compensation depends on the insurance cover they have:
Any Occupation Cover
TPD cover through superannuation insurance uses an ‘Any Occupation’ definition of Total and Permanent Disability. You need to show that bipolar disorder disqualifies you not only from your former job, but any job for which you would otherwise be qualified.
Own Occupation Cover
A less restrictive definition of TPD may be found in insurance policies bought outside of super. Under ‘Own Occupation’ cover, you are eligible for a TPD payout if you can prove that bipolar disorder prevents you from doing the job you had prior to disability.
Read More: Any Occupation vs Own Occupation Cover
Activities of Daily Living Cover
Some insurers define Total and Permanent Disability in light of the impact on ‘Activities of Daily Living’ (ADL), rather than occupational considerations. To obtain a TPD payout under an ADL policy, you need to show that bipolar disorder makes it impossible for you to perform basic daily tasks (such as feeding and bathing yourself).
Bipolar disorder can interfere with your work and daily life in many different ways, but a bipolar diagnosis doesn’t automatically entitle you to a TPD payout. You need to prove that you can’t work or care for yourself because of the condition.
Comprehensive medical records, statements from medical attendants, and testimony from employers can help to establish the destabilising effects of bipolar disorder on your capacity for work or daily living. A lawyer specialising in TPD claims can collect all documents and other evidence and aid you in completing the application, which can be extremely beneficial if you are experiencing a period of extreme symptoms.
Get Help with a TPD Claim for Bipolar
TPD claims for mental health issues can be difficult. Insurers often request a lot of additional information when reviewing these applications, requiring you to undergo further medical assessments and provide more paperwork. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for mental health TPD claims to be rejected.
If you need assistance claiming TPD for bipolar disorder, TPD Compensation Lawyers can help. We provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the claims process and dedicate ourselves to obtaining a TPD payout on your behalf.
Contact TPD Compensation Lawyers today for a FREE consultation. Our Melbourne TPD claims lawyers serve clients throughout Victoria.