5 tips to coping with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is the medical name for manic-depressive
illness and doesn't just effect sufferers but can have a serious
effect on family members and friends. Early diagnosis can be a
big factor in the effective combating or this serious mental
illness and without diagnosis it can become much more serious
possibly leading to suicide. Bipolar disorder effects over 2
million American adults every year so it is by no means a rare
disorder and doctors and psychiatrists alike are on hand to help
you or your family member or friend through it. If you think
someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder the best
thing you can do for them is to take them to see their doctor.
1- Long term preventative treatment is likely to be required
because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness. Stopping the
medication or psychological treatment received can cause a
regression to the mood swings associated with the disease.
2- If you or someone you know has a bipolar disease then it is
recommended that you see a psychiatrist and not your general
physician although your GP can refer you to a specialist in the
field that will be in the best position to offer you the help,
support and information you need to beat it.
3- There are medications known as mood stabilizers available and
a person who suffers from bipolar disorder is likely to be
prescribed these by their psychiatrist. They will normally have
to take these for the rest of their lives because bipolar
disease is recurrent. Sometimes other drugs are combined with
mood stabilizers but this will probably only be over a short
period of time.
4- Therapy should be combined with medication and can be
attended in one on one sessions or at group therapy classes. by
talking to somebody who understands the patient's problems the
support can often lead to a very desirable outcome. Consult your
psychiatrist about where to go to attend these group talks.
5- Always be prepared for the worst. Don't forget that bipolar
disease will mean constant ups and downs and many patients try
to commit suicide because they see it as their only way out. Be
prepared and always be ready to call 911 if you think this is
going to be the case. Don't be afraid that you will be wasting
their time if your family member or friend is just having a down
day because if you don't ring the consequences could be a lot
worse.