Total Pageviews

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Bipolar Disorder Self Help


Bipolar self help is the most potent form of managing Bipolar Disorder that a person can learn.  Depression, and bipolar disorder are an extremely debilitating illnesses. Bipolar disorder is a hereditary illness for which there is no cure.

When you can become aware of the signs of an oncoming episode you are better prepared to manage the symptoms.   Some of the depressive symptoms are as follows: change in sleeping patterns; change in appetite; loss of interest in things that were once pleasurable, decrease in energy and a drastic  decrease in the ability to concentrate.

The depressed persons world is one  of hopelessness, helplessness and feelings of worthlessness. Depression not only affects the person with the disorder but also the family members and friends.

You need to know what the signs of depression are  You may know someone who is suffering from depression. Depression does not have to be endured there are treatment methods, and medications but with self help you maximize the chances of a full recovery..


 You have the power to effect the changes in your treatment plan.. With personal commitment the effect of debilitating mental health disorders can be lessened.

Information on severe depression can be found in books, on the internet and in pamphlets. These self help tools for bipolar disorder sufferers; including manic depression therapy; clinical depression; anxiety disorder ; offering help with depression and resolutions of depression personal problems.

If it is someone that you know and want to help; a depressed person with bipolar disorder and support them through any episodes he or she might endure know what to look for. Some signs to look for are withdrawal and isolation, poor grooming practices, weight change, substance abuse, low self esteem, crying fits, and loss of ability to function.


Behaviors consistent with bipolar disorder are euphoric moods in clinical manic state; aggression may be seen with euphoria; difficulty in focusing and in concentrating; flight of ideas; rapid and pressured speech;  seeming over involvement in projects; making frequent phone calls; poor judgment lack of insight; and hypsexuality..

Bipolar disorder in children is hard to diagnose. The diagnosis is based on family history and mental status, as bipolar disorder is thought to be genetic and it generally starts from mid-adolescence to early adulthood.

Some factors of adolescent bipolar disorder are intermittent sleep disturbances, agitation, moody and in the very young child there will be extended temper tantrums.

It is best to catch the signs early, because the illness is always easier to treat if caught early on. The mental health warning signs in pre-adolescent children are: difficulty getting to sleep; refusal to go to school regularly; unexplained temper tantrums; hyperactive behaviors; inability to sustain concentration on activities; steady decline in school performance and opposition to authority figures; persistent nightmares and hallucinations.

Self help tapes and books are available to individuals and their families which, when used conscientiously, can assist a person in crisis through his or her emotional distress, and  reduce the debilitating effects of the illness.
Be aware that none of these self help aids are a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment.  They are considered aids to enhance treatment with medications and or psychotherapy.  Only a trained doctor can diagnosis and treat Bipolar Disorder.

No comments: