Can I drive my car if I have bipolar? You must inform the DVLA of your diagnosis and your doctor will provide information on your fitness to drive which will determine and restrictions on driving Expand If you have bipolar, it may have implications for driving. You must inform the following about any medical condition you have that could affect your ability to drive: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (Includes the correct form for doing so) Your insurance company. You must tell the DVLA no matter how long you have been driving; this includes during the application for your first licence and renewal of an existing licence. As soon as you become aware of your diagnosis or possible diagnosis of bipolar, you must alert the DVLA You should also be aware of the effects your medication has on your ability to drive. In addition to this, if you have a substance misuse issue, including alcohol, you are required to tell the DVLA about this. Your doctor or psychiatrist may be asked to provide information on your fitness to drive. Contact details for the DVLA More information about bipolar and the DVLA
Is bipolar a disability? Under the Equality Act 2010 bipolar disorder can be considered a disability. This mean that you can request reasonable adjustments at work and have other protections Expand A disability is defined under the Equality Act as: A ‘physical or mental impairment’ which has a ‘substantial and long-term adverse effect’ on an individual’s ‘ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’. Bipolar will be considered a disability under the Act if it satisfies this definition, which is sometimes different to common perceptions of disability. Find more information about how the Equality Act can help and support you in our Employees' guide to bipolar and employment
If I am ill what powers do my family have? Who can help with decisions when you are unwell Expand Under the Mental Health Act we all have a nearest relative who will be involved in decisions about whether we are hospitalised. We do not get to choose our nearest relative. If you or your nearest relative are both unhappy about them taking on this role, they can write a letter naming another individual to act as your nearest relative. They should inform at least one of your doctors or other people responsible for your care. Your nearest relative has several powers and responsibilities: They can apply for you to be admitted to hospital. The approved social worker must tell the nearest relative if they have applied (or are applying) for you to be detained under section 2. The approved social worker must talk to the nearest relative if they plan to detain you under section 3 (unless it is not practical to do this or would cause unreasonable delay). Your nearest relative can object to the application to detain you. However the approved social worker can ask the court to appoint someone else as your nearest relative if the objection is unreasonable. Your nearest relative can apply for you to be discharged from hospital. However the doctor in charge of the treatment can stop this.
What is power of attorney? You can nominate someone to look after your finances when you are unable to Expand Helping a friend or relative who is struggling to manage their finances can be difficult, especially if they do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions. For many people, the solution is to make a power of attorney - a way of giving someone the legal power to manage their finances. In most cases, making a power of attorney will mean an end to the problems that can arise in these situations. But sometimes things go wrong, which is why the ombudsman has provided tips for both banks and consumers on power of attorney – and how to avoid problems. For more information, please visit the Financial Ombudsman's website
Mental Health Act 1983 - patient information A leaflet to explain your rights if you are detained under the Mental Health Act. Expand The Department of Health and Social Care has issued leaflets for patients who have been brought to hospital by a police officer under section 135 or 136 of the Mental Health Act. The leaflets explain to the person: - why they are in hospital - what to expect during this section - their rights - what could happen afterwards - The leaflets contain form fields for healthcare professionals to enter the expiry date and time of the patient’s detention. Click here to download the leaflets
If I am detained in hospital can my friends and family visit me? Who can see me when I am under section in hospital? Your rights as an inpatient explained Expand You have the right to visits from your family and friends. If the hospital or doctor do not think it is beneficial for you to receive visitors, they must have a very good reason related to your health and safety to stop visits. If visits are stopped, the decision should be recorded and the record should be made available to the Mental Health Act Commission.
Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) allows eligible people with mental illness in crisis to have legal protections from their creditors Expand You can only apply for Breathing Space by seeking advice from a debt adviser. This scheme is only open to people who are under crisis help from a mental health service. You can read the Guidance for money advisors and a factsheet from, the National Debtline
Legal Advice and Support Helpful links to other websites and organisations that can offer you legal advice and support Expand Citizens AdviceFree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities Mind Legal LineProvides legal information and general advice on mental health related law covering; mental health, mental capacity, community care, human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues. Advice NowAn independent, not-for-profit website, providing accurate information on rights and the law. British Institute of Human RightsProviding people with authoritative and accessible information about human rights. Find a solicitorA free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales Equality Advisory and Support ServiceAssists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales LibertyLiberty is a human rights organisation that runs a free human rights advice service for members of the public and voluntary organisations.
Writing an Advance Choice document A leaflet offering advice about making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Expand Find out more about advance planning for people with bipolar disorder – making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Download the Advance Choice template leaflet For more personal experiences and information read our blog: Medication and treatment