Bipolar Disorder Prognosis

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that varies from severe and long-term, or mild with infrequent episodes.  The typical patient with bipolar disorder averages 8 - 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some people experience more and some fewer episodes.

Research shows that bipolar disorder patients have higher death rates from suicide, diabetes and heart problems than those in the general population. Patients who get treatment experience great improvement in survival rates.

 Usually the depressive phases are more than manic phases, and the cycles of mania and depression are irregular and unpredictable. Many patients experience mixed mania, or a mixed state, in which both mania and depression coexist daily.

A smaller percentage of Bipolar patients have episodes known as rapid cycling. With this phase the manic and depressive episodes alternate at least four times a year and, in severe cases, can even progress to several cycles a day. Rapid cycling tends to occur more often in women and in those with Bipolar II.  This type of the disorder is difficult to treat since the use of antidepressants can trigger the switch to mania.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents are different than those of adults.   Mania in children is characterized by irritability. Children with bipolar depression are angry and restless, and may have  mood and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder.  It is still unknown  if childhood bipolar disorder persists into adulthood.

 The prognosis for Bipolar disorder depends on the person it must be managed carefully at all times. Episodes of mania and depression may recur throughout the person's life but with treatment  the severity and duration of episodes can be reduced. Early treatment is always more effective than treatment later in an episode.  A small number of people are resistant to all treatment. People with Bipolar II generally have a better prognosis than those with Bipolar I.

Factors considered important in determining the prognosis of patients with bipolar disorder include the time between the onset of the symptoms and the beginning of drug therapy, presence or absence of psychotic features, indications of rapid-cycling, and presence of risk factors such as drug or alcohol dependency.

People with bipolar disorder can lead a healthy and productive life with treatment and compliance with the treatment program. Without treatment, bipolar disorder worsens with more frequent episodes of mania and depression which become more severe and intense. Drugs and psychotherapy are the most effective treatments. Medications may need to be adjusted in some people more frequently than in others.  Patients need to be vigilant for early warning signs of relapse and seeking help as quickly as possible.

Bipolar Disorder and Women

Bipolar Disorder also called Manic-Depression is a serious mental illness that causes shifts in moods.  Different from normal ups and downs it affects a person’s energy and ability to function.  The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be severe.  People with Bipolar Disorder experience highs and lows (mania and depression).  Bipolar Disorder occurs equally between men and women, however, women usually have more frequent changes in moods called rapid cycling. Women are diagnosed with having Bipolar II Disorder more often then men.

Bipolar Disorder is a fairly common illness and develops in late adolescence and early adulthood.  It can be treated effectively and people can lead productive lives with early intervention.

Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness and has to be managed throughout a person’s life but there can be changes in their mood swings due to age and hormonal changes and the illness may become worse.

Menopause is a normal process of reproductive aging known as perimenopause which for most women stars around the age of 40.  The ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone.  Many women may experience symptoms of menopause which can include mood swings.  These mood swings may be related to decreasing levels of estrogen.

Bipolar symptoms can increase in women with Bipolar Disorder they can become worse and medications that once worked cease to be as effective in controlling them.

Additional life experiences can also make Bipolar Disorder worse such as sexuality, aging, children leaving home.

Distinguishing menopausal symptoms and worsening of Bipolar Disorder may take blood tests to check hormone levels.  Often a low dose of oral contraceptives can stabilize hormone levels and may control the mood swings.

Any change in mood swings should be communicated to your doctor so that interventions, additional medications can stop a minor mood swing from becoming a major problem.

It is important to have a complete physical to determine if it is a medical problem or a sign of your Bipolar Disorder getting worse.

Women of menopausal age with Bipolar Disorder should keep in close contact with their doctor and consider individual or group therapy to help to deal with the changes in their bodies which may interfere with their mood swings.  Any changes in physical conditions should be monitored to decrease the chances of a major episode.

Medications for Bipolar Disorder and their Side Effects

As a Bipolar you will have to have infinite patience, determination and a total commitment to medication.  It is the most effective way to recover from Bipolar Disorder.  The earlier medication is started the sooner you will be able to continue with your life with a fewer chances of relapses.  Not all people respond to medication alone; sometimes psychotherapy is needed.  But for a chance at full recovery medication is the only answer.     Do research  on the  medication that is prescribed; keep track of side effects, moods, and physical changes in your body.  You are ultimately in charge of Bipolar Disorder and your medication. Do not let it be in charge of you.

Medication is the most effective treatment available for Bipolar Disorder; nothing is perfect, and for most people bipolar medications work well.  For others it can be very difficult.  Side effects are the number one reason people with Bipolar Disorder stop taking their medications. And they can cause many people to give up on medications altogether. Before finding the right one or the right combination that works there is trial and error which can be frustrating. It may take a long time, but most people eventually do discover medications they can tolerate with few side effects and that can control their mood swings.

When treating Bipolar Disorder you have to  find the right drug or combination of drugs for each symptom. There are drugs for mania and psychosis, depression and anxiety, and some drugs that help with all these symptoms.  There is no strict rule a person may need only one drug, or they may need more than one. There may be no side effects , or there may be many side effects.  Finding the right combination of medications and the right doses that work for you can take months to years. For the very rare there is no complete absence of all symptoms and that is where therapy comes into play.

There are medications that are called Mood Stabilizers these include Lithium, Depakote (divalproex), Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Lamictal (lamotrigine).  Lithium, Depakote and Tegretol are antimanic drugs, while Lamictal is used for bipolar depression.  You may take multiple drugs at once, such as a combination of Lithium for bipolar mania and Lamictal for bipolar depression.

Mood stabilizers have various  possible side effects, but they are the most effective antimanic drugs , which is why most people with Bipolar I need to remain on mood stabilizers. Lithium is often prescribed and is an excellent drug when it works. Common Lithium side effects include tremors, excessive thirst. Toxicity can also lead to kidney problems, and so monitoring Lithium blood levels is needed. The most common side effects of Depakote and Tegretol are weight gain, headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, eye problems and unsteadiness.

 Lamictal side effects include shortness of breath, jerky body movements, itching and a skin rash. There are two kinds of rashes associated with Lamictal. One is benign the other is very serious. Treatment must be stopped if the second one occurs.  Lamcital does not cause weight gain and the side effects are reduced in time.

Older antipsychotics are Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Haldol (haloperidol) and Trilifon (perphenazine). These were effective but caused a  motor side effect called tardive dyskinesia. The newer antipsychotics are  Clozaril (clozapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone), Geodon (Ziprasidone) and Abilify (aripiprazole).

Antipsychotics are used to treat psychosis, prevent mania and sometimes treat depression. Side effects that may occur are usually rapid weight gain, especially around the stomach, lethargy, restlessness, dulled senses, tremors, impaired thinking, slow speech, shuffling the feet, and concentration problems.  Clorazil, Zyprexa and Seroquel can cause what is called metabolic syndrome, a condition that leads to possible diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The antipsychotics with the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome are Abilify and Geodon. Risperdal.

These potential side effects can be very strong, although antipsychotics medications can give a persona second chance to work and function in society. If you have psychosis and/or full blown mania antipsychotics should be given multiple trials.  The treatment is to start with low doses and then go up as needed.  Many people eventually find the right antipsychotic with few side effects.

 Antidepressants are many Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Wellbutrin (bupropion), Effexor (venlafaxine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Celexa (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram),  These drugs are extremely effective for depression treatment in people with bipolar disorder they have a high risk of inducing mania. Antidepressants can lead to rapid cycling and severe mania in people with bipolar disorder. They can be used in conjunction with other mood stabilizers. Common antidepressant side effects include agitation, weight loss or weight gain, headache, stomach upset, sexual side effects, loss of appetite, leg-shaking, sleepiness, and suicidal tendencies.

Some of the medications used are different and are called anti anxiety drugs some are Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). Anti anxiety medications can be addictive; but considering many people with bipolar disorder have anxiety and sleep problems, they should not be ruled out as part of treatment.  Common benzodiazepine side effects include tiredness, memory loss, trouble concentrating, excessive sleepiness and lack of coordination. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also cause very serious effects.

Treatment with medications has one goal in mind to help the person return to their lives as with the highest ability of functioning as possible.  Medications can and do work and although the possible side effects can range from annoying to life threatening medications are truly the only option for recovery for the Bipolar patient.

Medications For Bipolar Disorder

If you have Bipolar Disorder, you will need medication.  You will probably need bipolar medication for the rest of your life.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. It's not something you can cure with willpower. Taking medication for Bipolar Disorder is just like taking medication for diabetes or heart disease.

Along with medication, psychotherapy, can be an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems. Psychotherapy can help you understand and control any problems that hurt your ability to function well in life. It can help you  to stay on your medication.  There are different types of therapy which are used Behavioral Therapy focuses on behaviors that decrease stress.  Cognitive therapy. This type of approach involves learning to identify and modify the patterns of thinking that accompany mood shifts.  Interpersonal therapy. This involves relationships and aims to reduce strains that the illness may place upon them.  Social therapy. This helps you develop and maintain daily routines.

Doctors use a number of different types of drugs to treat bipolar disorder.  Treatment for bipolar mania may include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.   Many people who have bipolar disorder keep taking these medications for years after their last episode to stay healthy. This is   called maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder. 

A mood-stabilizing medication works on improving mood, social interactions, and behavior. Mood stabilizers are effective in the treatment and prevention of bipolar mood swings.  A mood stabilizing medication works on improving mood, social interactions, and behavior. Mood stabilizers are effective in the treatment and prevention of episodes of lows of depression and the highs of mania.

The drug therapy of choice for bipolar patients with severe mania or mixed episodes is an antipsychotic medication combined with either Lithium or the anticonvulsant Depakote.

Lithium is one of the oldest and cheapest mood-stabilizing mediations for bipolar disorder. Lithium is a  natural salt available under the generic names of lithium carbonate and lithium citrate. Findings show that lithium is effective in reducing symptoms and frequency of episodes of bipolar disorder. In addition, studies show that lithium effectively reduces the risk of suicide.  If you take lithium, you need to have regular blood levels of the drug monitored by your physician, as the medication dosage needs to be established from person to person.

Anticonvulsants offer more treatment options for those with bipolar disorder.  Anticonvulsants may be combined with lithium or with other anticonvulsants targeting different symptoms.Some commonly used anticonvulsants include Lamictal, Depakote, Tegretol, and Trileptal

All of these drugs have been tested bith Bipolar Patients and show that the benefits are dramatic when it comes to recovery from the devastating mood swings of Bipolars.  It takes time for the medication to work and there may have to be a trial and error in attempting to control the mood swings but close contact with your psychotherapist and doctor makes taking medication as simple as possible..

The importance of finding the right medication and the right doseage with the fewest side effects is easier and with the newer medications safer to help control Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, Management

Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness that at the present time has no cure.  We all suffer from ups and downs; days when we are low or feeling happy but for bipolar these feelings are disturbingly acute and recurring.  For the depressed Bipolar there sometimes seems to be no other option than to try to take their own life.  On the flip side of the coin the euphoria is so intense that they can have delusions, hallucinations and threatening life problems. 

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can endanger your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt daily life. And although bipolar disorder is treatable, many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get help. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms are.  Control can only come with treatment and spotting the danger signs when in the early stages is the only way to treat it and recover.  There are the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other.  Two poles whence the term bipolar.  The cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.

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During a manic episode, a person might quit a job, spend countless money on credit cards, and feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, they are too tired to get out of bed and full of dejection and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.

The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood, but it often runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in early adulthood. The symptoms can be decieving, so many people with bipolar disorder are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. But with proper treatment and support, you can lead a qualitative life.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life.

 Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can manage your symptoms.

 Some people alternate between episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized called hypomania. People with bipolar disorder can go for long stretches without symptoms.  The average is 10-15 episodes a lifetime.

 Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Bipolar disorder can coexist with anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.

 Medication is the first step of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and having supportive people to assist you when needed.

Bipolar symptoms vary in different people. The symptoms pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are experience just depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood upheavals, while others show signs and symptoms only a few times over a lifetime.

In Bipolar Disorder there are: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has its own set of symptoms.

In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk continiouslly, sleep very little, and are hyperactive. They may also feel all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness; called delusions of grandeur.

  In the beginning, mania feels good, but it has a tendency to get out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode: spending savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments. They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive when others don’t go along with their plans, and with no regard to other people’s opinion of their behavior. Some people can become delusional or start hearing voices.

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. In a hypomanic state  the person feels euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good mood.  Hypomania can cause bad decisions effecting relationships, careers, and reputations. Hypomania can often turn  into full-blown mania and be followed by a major depressive episode.

 Certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression.  Bipolar depression signs are usually  irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight.  Bipolar depression can develop into psychotic depression; with hallucinations and loss of touch with reality.  The person can experience major disability in work and social functioning.

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode are depression with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts.  The person is a high risk for suicide because of the high energy and low mood.

There are 3 different types of Bipolar Disorder:  Bipolar I Disorder; mania or a mixed episode The classic form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode.  Bipolar II Disorder hypomania and depression; the person doesn’t experience fullblown manic episodes. There are episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia; hypomania and mild depression; a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings which are less severe than fullblown mania or depression.

 Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and getting into treatment can help prevent these complications. Seek out help if you see signs of Bipolar Disorder in yourself or someone else.

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, recurring illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom free.

There is more to treatment than medication. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.

 Medication need to be closely monitored. A psychiatrist can help you manage your symptoms, side effects of the medications and your overall mental health.  A therapist can help with leaning coping skills for living with Bipolar Disorder.  it is a lifetime commitment to making yourself healthy and finding recovery of your life.

Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder. Yet not everyone with the genetic background develops the illness.

 In order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make the right choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits have a significant impact on your moods.  With treatment there is the chance for recovery.

Medications For Bipolar Disorder

If you have bipolar disorder, taking medication is the answer to reducing the frequency and severity of mood episodes, but it may not the only treatment option. Bipolar medications are very effective when used with therapy and healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and developing a social support system. These factors play an important role in managing symptoms of mania and depression for some people.

Finding the right drug or drug combination can take time, so it’s important to work closely with your doctor and therapist. It’s also important to re-evaluate your medication frequently as the optimum dose may change over time as you adopt a healthier lifestyle.

If you have bipolar disorder, medication will be the foundation of your treatment plan. Medication can bring mania and depression under control and prevent relapse once your mood has stabilized. Long-term medication treatment especially with unpleasant side effects is necessary and since Bipolar Disorder is biological the optimum treatment..  A diabetic needs to take insulin in order to stay healthy taking medication for bipolar disorder will help you maintain a stable mood.

However, you cannot expect medication alone to solve all your problems. There are other options you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce the amount of medication required. Medication is most effective when used in combination with other bipolar disorder treatments, including therapy, self-help coping strategies, and healthy lifestyle.

 The treatment for bipolar depression is different than for regular depression.  Antidepressants can actually trigger a manic episode and rapid cycling. Mood stabilizers are tried first and an antidepressant may be added to them.

Your lifestyle has an effect on your symptoms. If you make healthy choices, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you need.  Natural mood stabilizers that don’t require a prescription include keeping a sleep schedule, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and developing a solid support system.

Research shows that therapy is beneficial and Bipolars who take medication recover much faster and control their moods better if they also get therapy. Therapy gives you the skills to cope with life's difficulties, monitor your progress, and deal with the problems bipolar disorder is causing in your personal and professional life.

Bipolar Disorder is a congenital and having a relapse is very high if you stop taking your medication. Suddenly stopping medication is especially dangerous. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes. Your doctor can help you make any adjustments if you feel you no longer need medication.  That just shows that the medication is effective and is working.

It can take a while to find the right medication and dose. Everyone responds to medication differently, so you may have to try several drugs before you find the one that works for you. What works for one persons body chemistry may not work for you.

Once you've discovered the right bipolar disorder drug or combination of drugs, it may still take time to find the optimal dose. In the case of mood stabilizing medications such as lithium, there is a small difference between a beneficial dose and a toxic dose.  Take medication exactly as prescribed.   Continue taking your medication even after you feel better. Frequent office visits to re-evaluate your medication needs and monitoring of symptoms and side effects will have to be made.  When you start a new medication learn how and when to take it.  Report any change in your medication situation, such as pregnancy.

You may be tempted to stop taking medication if you're experiencing side effects. Or  you may want to stop taking your pills because you feel much better and don't think you need them anymore.  Stopping maintenance medication comes with a high risk of relapse.

 Talk to your doctor before you make any medication changes. If you don't like the way the drug makes you feel or if it's not working, there are other options.

Keep track any side effects you experience. When they occur, and how bad they are.  Your doctor may have suggestions for minimizing the side effects. If side effects are severe, your doctor may switch you to another drug or change the dose.

Always check for drug interactions before taking another prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, or herbal supplement. Drug interactions can cause side effects or make your bipolar disorder medication less effective.   Certain foods and beverage can also cause problems.

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Mood stabilizers are medications that help control the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. They are treatment, both for mania and depression. Lithium is the oldest and most well-known mood stabilizer. It is highly effective for treating mania.

Lithium can also help bipolar depression. It is not as effective for mixed episodes or rapid cycling forms of bipolar disorder. Lithium takes from one to two weeks to reach its full effect.

If you take lithium, it’s important to have regular blood tests to make sure your dose is in the effective range. Doses that are too high can be toxic.

It is important to get blood tests every two to three months, since many things can cause your lithium levels to change. Even taking a different brand of lithium can lead to different blood levels. Make sure that you go for the blood tests whenever they are needed.

Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers. Originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy, they have been shown to relieve the symptoms of mania and reduce mood swings.

The new focus in bipolar depression treatment is on optimizing the dose of mood stabilizers. If you can stop your mood cycling, you might stop having depressive episodes entirely. If you are able to stop the mood cycling, but symptoms of depression remain, the following medications may help:Lamictal (lamotrigine) Seroquel (quetiapine) Zyprexa (olanzapine)

The new Atypical antipsychotics have been shown to help Bipolar I Disorder which has psychotic tendencies.  These medications have side effects which should be considered before starting any medication regimen.  Only you and your doctor can decide on the benefits of medication on your Bipolar Disorder

For the Bipolar patient medication is the best treatment to stop the debilitating moodswings but with newer medications being discovered everyday the person should find relief in a short amount of time with little or no side effects.  Medication is lifelong but the benefits of having  symptoms for life or managing them with medcation sometimes outweighs the risks.

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.

Bipolar Living: Depression Coping Skills

Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better. But while overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, you have some control—even if your depression is severe and persistent.

You can make a huge change in your depression with simple lifestyle changes: exercising every day, avoiding the urge to isolate, challenging the negative voices in your head, eating healthy food, and taking time for rest and relaxation. Feeling better takes time, but with positive choices for yourself each day and the support of others.

Recovering from depression requires action.   The things that help the most are the things that are most difficult to do.   But difficult is not impossible.  Depression recovery is starting with a few small goals and slowly building from there. Use the resources you have. You may not have much energy, but can try to take a short walk around the block or to call someone close to you..

Take things one day at a time.

Getting the support you need plays a big role in lifting depression and keeping it away. It can be difficult to maintain perspective and continue with the effort that is needed to beat depression. But isolation and loneliness make depression even worse, so maintaining your close relationships and social activities are important.

 You may feel ashamed, too exhausted to talk.   Remind yourself that this is the depression talking. People who care about you want to help.

 Share what you’re going through with the people you love and trust. Ask for the help and support you need. Your most treasured relationships can get you through this tough time. Keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. When you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed.   Join a Support Group.  Being with others who are dealing with similar problems can reduce your sense of isolation. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences.  

Depression is negative.   Everything, including the way you see yourself, the situations you encounter, and your expectations for the future seem bleak.

But you can’t break out of this pessimistic mind frame by thinking positive. Replace negative thoughts with more balanced thoughts. 

 Challenge negative thinking:   Allow yourself to be less than perfect. Many depressed people are perfectionists, beating themselves up when they fail to meet them their own expectations. Socialize with positive people. Some people always look on the bright side when dealing with challenges, even minor ones. Consider how you would react in the same situation. Try to adopt their optimism and persistence in the face of difficulty.  Take care of yourself.  In order to overcome depression, following a healthy lifestyle, learning to manage stress, setting limits on what you’re able to do, adopting healthy habits, and scheduling fun activities into your day.

 8 hours of sleep. Depression typically involves sleep problems. Whether you’re sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habit. 

 Lack of sunlight can make depression worse. Make sure you’re getting enough. Take a short walk outdoors, have your coffee outside, enjoy an al fresco meal, people-watch on a park bench, or sit out in the garden.  

 Not only does stress prolong and worsen depression, but it can also trigger it.  Figure out all the things in your life that are stressing you out.  When you identify your stressors, you can make a plan to avoid them or minimize their impact.

 A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.

While you can’t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that you used to enjoy.  Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends.

Push yourself to do things, even when you don’t feel like it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel. Even if your depression doesn’t lift immediately, you’ll gradually feel more energetic.  

Get regular exercise.  When you’re depressed, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But exercise is a powerful skill for dealing with depression. Studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue

To get the most benefit, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. But you can start small. Take your dog for a walk.  Take the stairs rather than the elevator   Park your car in the farthest spot in the parking lot.  Incorporate walks or some other enjoyable, easy form of exercise into your daily routine.   Pick an activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to keep up with it.

 Eat a healthy, mood-boosting diet.  What you eat has an impact on the way you feel. A balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables can improve overall mental health.

Don’t skip meals. Going too long between meals can make you feel irritable and tired.. Minimize sugar and refined carbs.  These energy boot foods can lead to a crash in mood and energy. Try for complex carbohydrates. Foods such as baked potatoes, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal, whole grain breads can boost serotonin levels. Pick up your B vitamins. Deficiencies in B vitamins such as folic acid and B-12 can trigger depression. To get more, take a B-complex vitamin supplement. is especially effective for people who tend to overeat and oversleep when depressed.

 Consider Omega-3 fatty acids for stabilizing mood.  Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats can give your mood a big boost. The best sources are fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and some cold water fish oil supplements.  Main sources are vegetable oils and nuts.   The benefits of eating 2 servings a week of cold water fatty fish can improve mood stability.

Know when to get additional help.  If you find your depression getting worse seek professional help.  Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel helpless but depression can be treated and you can feel better.

Positive Coping Skills For Bipolar Living

Healthy Habits, monitor symptoms, coping with stress

Getting enough sleep and regular exercise are two things you can do to reduce your symptoms of mania and depression. You should try to get eight hours of sleep each night and exercise for about 30 minutes each day.

Find out the symptoms of bipolar disorder and see which symptoms relate to your case of bipolar disorder. Each morning and evening you should take note of how you're feeling, if your symptoms of mania or depression are increasing. If your symptoms are increasing, contact your therapist and doctor to discuss treatment options.

Make healthy coping mechanisms when you feel stressed or notice an increase in sadness, irritability or other symptoms of your disorder. Keep a list of things you can do to prevent and decrease stress, and use the list when you need it.

Look for the humorous.  Anticipate the future.  Set clear goals.  Make plans for the future. Take charge. Keep order. Change perspectives.   Focus on top priorities. Listen to your body.  Exercise.  Jog. Swim. Dance. Walk.  Eat for health. Limit use of alcohol. Relax.  Breathe deeply. Strive for self-improvement.  Take up a cause. Invest yourself meaningfully.  Find purpose and meaning. Trust God.  Confess.  Ask forgiveness.  Pray for others. Give thanks.  Let go of Problems.  Learn to live with the situation.  Set priorities. Be consistent. Spend time and energy wisely.  Share beliefs with others. Put faith into action. Be prepared for the unexpected and strive to use your coping skills if needed.

One of the best coping strategies is using a mood chart to track your episodes and symptoms. A mood chart can help identify early warning signs for relapse, and a record for physicians and family to help assess the efficacy of different medications and treatments, and a daily routine and improve awareness of the illness.

The overall goal of the charts is to have a reliable and consistent record of how greatly your moods fluctuate over a period of time. 

Another excellent coping strategy is learning how to manage your medications effectively.  Know what you are taking and why, how long it might take to work, how much and how often you should take it, what you should do if you miss a dose, what side effects you might have and what you can do about them. Keep track of your medication information - names, dosages, how it makes you feel, what symptoms it makes better.  Having this information will help both you and your doctor find the medication regimen that works the best for you.

It can be an extremely frustrating process to find a medication that works for you.  It takes patience and determination.  Give the medications adequate time to do their job. Most people won't feel better right away - it can take four to six weeks for a drug to get into your system.  Work with your psychiatrist to switch medications if you are unhappy with your current one.  However, what medications can and can't do is up to your body chemistry and what works for one may not for you.

Simplify your medications as much as possible, taking them at the same time each day. If you have a lot of trouble remembering, ask your doctor about the possibility of long-acting injections of the medications instead of pill.

Coping skills take time, medications and self help is the key to recovery.  Follow your treatment team’s advice religiously and keep on top of your symptoms to help the treatment of your Bipolar disorder.  Having Bipolar Disorder is a serious life experience but can be overcome and you can have a healthy lifestyle.

Bipolar Living: Exercise

Regular exercise has a multitude of benefits for everyone.  It improves weight stability, heart and lung functions, reduces stress and improves mental functioning.

  People living with mood disorders need exercise for increasing cognitive functioning, lessening of depression and overall physical and mental health.  Exercise releases brain chemicals that control emotional and psychological activity in the brain.  Exercise also counteracts the weight gain that most of the medications used in treatment can cause.  Exercise helps with the length and quality of sleep and is a release for the excess energy of mania.

Simple regular activity is needed to burn off calories, irritability and get fit mentally and physically. 

 Half an hour of physical activity a day is a healthy goal to maintain a good level of fitness.  Choose an activity that you enjoy or can at least tolerate for 30 minutes a day.  Walk to the store for that forgotten loaf of bread or gallon of milk.  You may choose to do indoor exercise if weather is an obstacle.  Whatever physical activity yoga, fitness shows on TV, walking the dog, bicycling decide to keep in mind 30 minutes a day can mean 1 less episode of depression, 1 less spending spree that sends your savings back 6 months.

Choose a date for the beginning of your way to physically and mentally fit.  Keep notes on which day you dide which exercise routine and which you enjoyed the most.  Incorporate it inot your daily routine.

Exercise can be enjoyable it not mean pumping iron in a dirty gym.   30 minutes a day for happier Bipolar Living.

Bipolar Living: Medication

I know been there, done it, walked around but there are no if ands or buts.  For a Bipolar you have to take medication.  It does not matter which medication you and your doctor choose a medication regime is essential.  Medication compliance, which means taken as prescribed, maximizes the prevention of future episodes and all of the drama that goes with an unstable mood.  Find the strategies that work for you and affirm them daily.

Finding the right combination and dosages can take time and can be frustrating.  Some Bipolars must take multiple medications each day; your own body makeup decides which medication works best for you with the least amount of side effects.  Medication is needed to get well and stay well.

The challenge of adhering to a medication routine is the major contributor to relapses.  Compliance with medication is the key to thriving with Bipolar Living.  Find a way to remind yourself when to take your medication: notes on the bathroom mirror, alarms, messages in your computer email; anything that encourages you to take that dose.  Keep the times you take your medication in your cell phone.  Use pill dispensers with days and times you take them.  Keep a log; write down when you last took it and when it is time again for it.

And for those that medication works well for, which is the majority, when you feel you are missing your high and creativity look at the risk of having a more serious depression if you reduce or skip a dose. It takes 1 time to crash and is the chance for a morbid depression worth even 1 hypomanic episode for what may be for a short time.

The effectiveness of medication is in your power.  Take control of Bipolar Disorder and Take Your Medication.

More Bipolar Living

Is it possible to turn suffering into a positive meaningful life experience.  In order to do so you have to understand and learn to have a positive mental attitude.  The diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, a serious mental illness, can be turned into an opportunity to emerge stronger with more self empowerment.  To have a purpose in life to achieve more goals and obtain greater pleasure in life takes work, knowledge and discipline.  It is not something you have to do alone you will need a doctor you can trust, confide in, depend on for  advice when you need assistance with your goal to mental wellness. With the right combination of health care providers, medication and self awareness you can regain the losses you may experience because of Bipolar Disorder.  Being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder need not be the end of hope for a future; it is just a change in your way of life not and end to your life.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has Bipolar disorder the first step is to immediately seek medical help.  A psychiatrist will be able to make the diagnosis and administer treatment.  When it comes to treatment the only true option is medication psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication it is up to the individual and type of Bipolar disorder and the treating doctor to decide.  Medication may seem to be a drastic step to make but since Bipolar disorder is biological in nature with a chemical imbalance in the brain medication is necessary in order to bring the brain back to a level state and aid in preventing future episodes.

Depending on the diagnosis the medications vary with Bipolar II with mild to moderate symptoms the medication is far more different than when you are dealing with Bipolar I disorder with psychotic symptoms and full blown mania.  The episode itself needs to be treated first an acute manic episode or a depressive episode the medication of choice will be different until all the evidence is gathered past episodes, family history information is taken by the doctor when making the diagnosis.  Mood- stablizers are prescribed if it is a true case of Bipolar disorder.  The challenges of finding the correct medication for the particular individual can take time varying from person to person.  Each case of Bipolar disorder is different with the basic symptoms accompanied by individual symptoms of the person.

With the basic requirements of treatment, medication, optimism and dedication the transformation is complete and you can continue living but living Bipolar and the future for the majority of Bipolar patients is one of a learning process in a new healthier way.