Understanding Bipolar Disorder And How To Cope
November 8th, 2008 Posted in Anxiety and DepressionIt’s hard to turn the TV on these days without seeing a big pharmaceutical commercial advertising the next big drug treatment for depression. These commercials seem a little too prevalent but the sad truth is that too many people suffer from depression on a daily basis. Many of these people are suffering from a bipolar disorder and this is what is causing their depressive state, as well as many other symptoms. This article is going to tell you what this disorder means and what you should do about it.
Usually, the symptoms of being bipolar show up in the early to late twenties, although when a person is diagnosed they can often look back and see behaviors in their childhood that could be explained by the illness. Basically, having this disorder means you experience an abnormally elevated mood, called mania, followed by a state of depression, although these states are usually separated by periods of normal mood. People who are in their twenties may struggle with different eating disorders or other self mutilating behaviors as well. Since this disorder takes a huge toll on a person’s behavioral patterns, they can be very unpredictable. In a worse case scenario, a person may suffer from an episode of depression for so long that they contemplate suicide.
If you have been having symptoms of bipolar disorder, then you will certainly have noticed. At times you will feel as though you are on an extreme high. You may feel like you can do no wrong, life is glorious and you are on the right track; however, it comes with feelings of agitation and hyper activity. At the other end of the spectrum, the same person will suffer from a debilitating, depressive episode. These feelings usually cause the patient to feel sad and they will often lack hope in their lives. If you are one of these people, then you will want to visit your doctor so you can get diagnosed.
Experts will say that when a person is diagnosed as bipolar they are also sometimes called a manic depressive. When you visit your doctor you should speak to him or her about treatments and medication. It is an illness that is highly treatable, yet not curable. Unfortunately, patients need to take medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. It can be only be controlled if you follow your doctor’s advice and take the meds regularly, without fail. The disorder does not have to be the end of your life! A full and active lifestyle can be achieved if you seek the appropriate treatment.