Managing Your Bipolar Illness

Do you have bipolar disorder? If so, you're not alone. Many people from all walks of life suffer from bipolar disorder, also commonly referred to as manic depression. Managing your bipolar illness effectively is possible with a combination of medication, therapy and self-care. If you think you suffer from this disorder but have never been diagnosed, see a doctor or psychiatrist immediately. The sooner you do, the sooner you can find relief from your symptoms. Diagnosis is made through a combination of physical and psychological tests.

There are two main characteristics of bipolar disorder -- depression and mania. As you can see, these characteristics are polar opposites, hence the name bipolar. Depression is recognized by symptoms like despair, sadness, low energy levels, appetite and sleep disturbances, loss of interest in regular activities, and even vague physical discomfort. Mania, on the other hand, is depression's opposite. During a manic episode, a sufferer may have boundless energy and enthusiasm. They may feel a decreased need for sleep. Speech may be rapid or disjointed, and the sufferer may be quick to agitation. Wild spending sprees and impulsive, irrational behavior can also occur. These episodes can be full blown mania or hypomania, a milder variety.

Some bipolar patients experience periods of normalcy in between their manic and depressive episodes. The goal of any treatment plan is to encourage these normal periods for as long as possible. Medications like mood stabilizers are often used to help sufferers stay on an even keel and prevent the occurrence of bipolar episodes. For more severe cases, antidepressants and/or antipsychotics may also be used. Sometimes, these various types of drugs are used together for best results. What's right for one bipolar patient may not be right for another, as the symptoms of this disorder come in varying degrees of severity and duration.

Medication is only one part of managing your bipolar illness. Psychotherapy can also be quite effective in treating bipolar disorder and is often used along with drug therapy. Sessions may be conducted on an individual, family, or group basis. In addition, many bipolar patients find that implementing self-care techniques can provide even more positive results. This may include keeping a journal, recognizing and avoiding triggers, using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques at home, and learning to cope effectively when episodes do occur.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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