Bipolar Illness – Mania

January 27th, 2009 Posted in Anxiety and Depression

Manic depression or bipolar disorder and bipolar mania causes mood swings that are severe. The two main mood swings are mania, which can be extremely euphoric or excited mood state to a severe state of depression. Psychosis can progress from the manic phase. In psychosis their sense of reality is changed and they become a danger not only to themselves but also to others. At this stage of the illness delusions and hallucinations may be experienced. Severe depression is likely to be followed after the mania phase has passed. When the depression is so severe reality becomes unreal and they usually withdraw and isolate themselves for days, sometimes weeks. At the depression state they are the most dangerous because they are more vulnerable to committing suicide or hurting themselves.

Treatment Plans – Support

People with bipolar disorder must be made to realize that they are not alone. With the right and proper treatment plan their illness can be controlled. By communicating in a support group, with a therapist or a moderator they can improve their lives and learn from each other on how other patients are coping with their illness. Friendship can be accomplished with other bipolar patients because they know they are in the same boat, the bipolar disorder sufferers. Finding a support group with the same problem can help in their isolation and loneliness by their interaction.

Many support groups with bipolar disorder can be accessed through the internet. There are forums where you can talk, share about anything and everything, from thoughts and feelings you are going through and to how you are coping with them. Reading what others have written can help you cope with your illness. And when you share your experiences and how you are coping with certain phases of the illness you can help others with the same illness continue with life. Making friends is vitally important because when you need them they will be there for you especially when you are going through mood stages in your life. Many people who go online share their experiences and offer very good and useful tips on topics relevant to bipolar mania.

Danger – Substance Abuse

Bipolar sufferers usually resort to substance abuse as an alternative to ease the suffering being brought about by their disease. Little do they know, this makes a diagnosis for their condition more difficult. This is where bipolar support groups come in handy because they are very effective in helping bipolar patients suffering from substance abuse. The issues on both coping with the severe mood swings and substance abuse associated with bipolar mania are addressed in any support group. The best results may be found with the combination of medication and therapy and this is why it is very important to find the right combination of treatments befitting each individual case.

Family and friends support and understanding is also very important. Support groups are able to help the patient as well as the family and friends understand the disorder more clearly. For patients who do not feel comfortable sharing their problems in a group, individual therapy is another option.