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Bipolar disorder
Bipolar support built on steady routines
Skillwise supports NDIS participants living with bipolar disorder across Rooty Hill, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, St Marys and Penrith. We help you keep the routines, home life and connections that help you stay well.
2.0% of Australians aged 16 to 85 had bipolar affective disorder in the past 12 months.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
There is a strong link between bipolar symptoms and sleep, so keeping a regular bedtime and wake time is recommended.
Source: SANE Australia
The NDIS recognises that mental health conditions are often episodic and fluctuating, and that support needs can change over time.
Source: NDIS
Understanding bipolar disorder
Living well with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder causes big changes in mood, thinking, energy and behaviour. People can have periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania, when mood and activity are unusually high or irritable. Symptoms usually first appear in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The effect on daily life is different for everyone. Some people face only minor challenges, while for others work, money, relationships and keeping a home can be hard to manage, especially during or after an episode.
A full and meaningful life is possible with bipolar disorder. Treatment stays with your GP and psychiatrist. Alongside that, steady routines, regular sleep and support from people you trust can make a real difference, and that is where we help.
Everyday life
Keeping everyday life on track
Changes in mood and energy can affect sleep, money, work and relationships. These are some of the areas where steady, practical support can help.
Sleep and steady routines
Needing less sleep can be part of a high period. A worker can help you keep regular bed, meal and activity times, and notice changes with you.
Money and spending
High periods can bring risky or reckless decisions. Practising budgeting and bill routines while you are well can help, and you stay in charge of your money.
Work and volunteering
Many people with bipolar disorder keep working. Support can help with routines, travel and getting ready, and with returning to work after a hard time.
Relationships and connection
Mood changes can put strain on relationships. Support to keep up with friends, groups and family activities can help you stay connected through the ups and downs.
Appointments and medication
Regular appointments help many people stay well. A worker can help you keep track of them, travel there and give reminders to take medication as prescribed.
Home and tenancy
During or after an episode, things at home can slip. Help with cleaning, laundry and household tasks can keep your home comfortable and your tenancy on track.
How we help
Support that keeps you steady
Every support is planned around your goals and what your NDIS plan funds. Start with what you need now, and change it as your plan grows.
Routines and sleep
Help to keep regular meal, activity and bedtime routines, plus reminders to take medication as prescribed, so your days have a steady rhythm. Personal care →
Supported Independent Living
If SIL is in your plan, our team supports you at home with daily tasks and routines, with familiar staff who know your preferences and your early warning signs. Supported Independent Living →
Money and planning skills
Practise budgeting, paying bills and planning your week with a support worker, so everyday life stays on track when your mood shifts. Daily living & life skills →
Back to life after a hard time
Support to settle back home after a hospital stay or a big change, with help to restart routines, appointments and daily tasks. Life stage transitions →
Living at home
Steady support at home
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is paid help from support workers who come into your home, so you can live as independently as possible. It may be funded for people who need more than 8 hours of paid support each day, some overnight support and have high or complex needs. You do not have to share a home to receive it. If SIL is not in your plan, shorter visits through daily living, household and community supports may suit you.
For someone living with bipolar disorder, in-home support might mean help to keep regular sleep, meal and activity routines, keep up with household tasks and take medication as prescribed, with familiar workers who know your early warning signs if you choose to share them. SIL funding is only for paid support workers. It does not pay rent, groceries or bills such as electricity, gas, water or internet, which you generally pay from your own money.
Families and carers
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder
The family and friends of someone with bipolar disorder need care and support too. SANE Australia says it is okay for family and friends to set boundaries and to put their own physical and mental health first.
Carer Gateway is a free Australian Government program for carers, offering counselling, coaching, peer support groups and planned and emergency respite. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Bipolar Australia also supports families and carers as well as people living with the condition.
Tip 1
Learn about bipolar disorder together, including early warning signs
Tip 2
With their permission, keep a copy of key contacts and their wellbeing plan
Tip 3
It is okay to set boundaries and look after your own health
Tip 4
Reach out to Carer Gateway or Bipolar Australia for support of your own
Good to know
What good support looks like
What we don’t provide. Skillwise does not provide diagnosis, treatment, counselling, therapy, medication changes or crisis care; we work alongside your GP, psychiatrist and mental health team. If you need help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, both 24/7, and in an emergency call 000.
- Familiar workers who know your routine and what helps you
- Your early warning signs and contacts written down with you, if you choose
- Calm, respectful support whether your mood is high or low
- Your clinical team stays in charge of treatment and medication
Behaviour support plans. If you have a behaviour support plan written by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, our team can follow it day to day, including any authorised restrictive practices, and record and report as the plan and NDIS rules require.
NDIS funding
Bipolar disorder and NDIS funding
If bipolar disorder has caused a psychosocial disability, the NDIS can fund support for its day-to-day impact, such as help with daily personal activities and household tasks, transport to take part in community life, work or study, and help to get and keep a job. Treatment and medication stay with your GP and psychiatrist, and the NDIA decides what is reasonable and necessary.
Many people use their Core Supports budget for everyday help and a support worker to take part in social and community activities, and Capacity Building supports to build skills such as budgeting and planning the week. In April 2026 the Australian Government announced NDIS reforms, including a new way of assessing access, so the rules may change over the coming years. We cannot promise what your plan will include, but we are happy to talk through how our supports fit the plan you have.
How it works
Getting started with Skillwise
Four simple steps. Bring a family member, carer or support coordinator along if you like.
1. Call or send a referral
Ring 0474 151 264 or make a referral online. We usually reply within one business day.
2. A friendly first chat
We talk about your goals, your daily routine and any health, behaviour support or mealtime plans you already have.
3. Your plan, explained
We go through your NDIS plan and service agreement in plain words, in the language that suits you.
4. Support that fits you
We match you with support workers who suit you, and keep checking in as your needs change.
Kind words
What participants and families tell us
Skillwise made our NDIS experience simple and stress-free. Their team truly listens and supports us every step of the way. I always feel my daughter is in safe and caring hands.
The Skillwise team helps me live more independently and with confidence. They are patient, respectful and always ready to assist. I’ve grown so much since joining their support program.
Skillwise staff treat me like family. They’re kind, reliable and genuinely care about my goals. Their support has made a real difference in my daily life.
Questions
Bipolar disorder NDIS support: common questions
Can’t see your question? Call us on 0474 151 264 and talk to a real person.
Is bipolar disorder eligible for the NDIS?
It can be. The NDIS looks at whether the condition has caused an impairment that is likely to be permanent and substantially reduces your ability to do everyday activities, despite treatment. Because bipolar disorder can be episodic, you may still be eligible even if some periods are easier than others.
Do I have to tell the NDIS my diagnosis?
The NDIS says a diagnosis is preferred but not essential. You need evidence of a mental health condition, but access is based on its impact on your daily life. Sharing your diagnosis can make it easier for the NDIA to see if you meet the requirements.
Can support workers help with sleep and routines?
Yes. Workers can help you keep regular meal, activity and bedtime routines, plan your week and give reminders to take medication as prescribed. SANE Australia notes a strong link between bipolar symptoms and sleep, so a steady routine is worth protecting.
What happens if I become unwell during a shift?
Our workers are not clinicians. We follow any plan you have shared with us, such as who to call and what helps, and contact your nominated people or your mental health team. If someone is in danger, we call 000.
How do I start with Skillwise?
Call us on 0474 151 264. We will talk about your NDIS plan, your goals and your routines, then find workers who fit. Our team speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic, Dari and Pashto.
Can you help me manage money during a high period?
Mania can bring risky or reckless decisions. While you are well, we can help you build budgeting and bill routines and write down what you would like us to do if you notice changes. You stay in charge of your money and we do not make financial decisions for you.
Can a worker come with me to a support group?
Yes, if community participation is in your plan. A worker can help you find a group and travel there with you. Bipolar Australia lists support groups, including an online group, on its website.
Can my family be involved in my support?
Yes, if you would like them to be. SANE Australia lists building a support network of friends or family as one helpful strategy. With your consent, family can join planning calls and help us understand your routines and what helps.
More help
Organisations that can help
Bipolar Australia: National not-for-profit supporting people affected by bipolar disorder and their families, with support groups.
SANE Australia: Free digital and telehealth support for people with complex mental health issues and their families. Call 1800 187 263.
Carer Gateway: Free Australian Government support for carers, including counselling, peer support and respite. Call 1800 422 737.
Other conditions
We also support
Skillwise supports people with a range of disabilities across Western Sydney. See all conditions we support.
Supports we provide
Ten ways we can help
From daily living at home to work, community and life changes, find the support that fits your NDIS plan.
Get started
Build a routine that works for you
Call us, send a referral or drop into our Rooty Hill office. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, and our team speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic, Dari and Pashto.