Archive for category Bipolar Disorder
Treating Bipolar Disorder
Posted by in Bipolar Disorder on February 8, 2012
Bipolar Disorder, also called manic-depression, is one of the major mental illnesses described in the DSM-IV-TR. It is characterized by episodes of depression and mania. The first article in this series, Understanding Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, defined these episodes and discussed the different types of Bipolar Disorders. This article will inform you of some of the treatment options.
Typically, a person with Bipolar Disorder will need a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Many people see a practitioner for medication and think that it will be enough to cope with the symptoms of the disorder. In order to really understand the disorder, therapy is pertinent. Medication can help manage, but not cure, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. Most people are left experiencing continued symptoms, even when taking medication. It is for that reason that I strongly advocate that a person attend therapy.
A trained therapist can help you identify behavioral methods to manage symptoms of depression and mania. A common type of therapy used with Bipolar Disorder is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that teaches a person to understand the thinking that is behind some irrational emotions and behaviors. It can also teach a person to change behaviors in order to positively affect thoughts and feelings.
Another important technique for managing Bipolar Disorder is relaxation exercises. A therapist will teach you to relax in order to manage some of the anxiety and physical discomfort that can accompany the disorder. Breathing exercises, visualizations, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are common relaxation exercises that will improve your ability to manage symptoms.
Mindfulness is another way to manage some of the negative emotions you may experience. Mindfulness is a technique that teaches you to recognize and be present with your emotions without over/under reacting to them. It is very useful to those experiencing depression or hypomania.
Supportive therapy is often needed as well, particularly when the diagnosis is first made. My motto is, “smart people have therapists.” It is wise to have an objective, knowledgeable person to talk to as you learn how Bipolar Disorder affects your life. A therapist can help you process the emotions you are experiencing and come to accept the diagnosis. Supportive therapy can also help with important things such as establishing a healthy routine to help manage symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »
Recovery From Bipolar Disorder and Addictions
Posted by in Bipolar Disorder on October 17, 2011
When I was ten years old I had decided I wanted to be a Doctor. I wanted to wear the white jacket and cure people who were sick. I never wanted to be a nurse; Doctors seemed to have more power. The nurses, I thought, just took notes and watched while the Doctor made miracles within the confines of sterile white walls.
I decided to play hockey while my friends figure skated. Hockey felt more powerful; tangible and angry. Angry like I felt. My mother told me, as all mothers do, that I could be anything I wanted. If I couldn’t be a Doctor, I truly believed, I wouldn’t be anything else.
Things were simple then. As simple as they can be when you are diagnosed with a serious mental illness at a young age. By the age of 12 I had seen many Doctors: Psychiatrists, Natural healers, Endocrinologists, Psychologists who practised cognitive behavioural therapy. There was something wrong with me and they couldn’t figure it out. I was too young to be mentally ill, severe juvenile mental illness was very rare, and the Doctors exhausted every possible option. My parents told me I had ADHD and I was put on Ritalin. They were told I might be allergic to milk (how this could explain my manic behaviour we were not sure) and I was not allowed to eat cheese anymore.
I didn’t want to be a Doctor anymore. I just wanted to be Me. But I was sick. I now had a label which I wore beside my heart and carried within my mind for years: I had Bipolar Disorder. It would not go away.
I spent years in and out of the Psychiatric hospital. I tried many different medications but I did not get better. I got worse. When I turned 18 I was told I was now old enough to try lithium. I decided that if the lithium did not work I would commit suicide. It`s a dire subject, but I was certain I would not get better. I would always cycle between depression and mania.
To my absolute surprise the lithium worked. I slowly became stable although I wasn’t sure what that was because I had never had it. That was the last time I would be confined to a hospital. Never again did I sleep under the small acrylic blankets which smelled like bleach.
I went back to school but it was tough because I had missed years. But I was determined to get into college: I had decided that I would do everything in my power to have a good life. Read the rest of this entry »