Being manic depressive is definitely not something that should be taken lightly.  Neither is it as simple as having temporary mood swings.  Being manic depressive is a psychiatric condition called bipolar disorder.  There are various levels of being manic depressive with varying intensities of bipolar disorder symptoms.  These symptoms would generally be characterized as alternating patterns of emotional highs and lows – the mania and the depression.  Anyone suffering from these kinds of symptoms should seek psychiatric help.  Information on bipolar disorder is widely available.

It is not advisable to try to treat bipolar disorder without the help of a medical professional.  Neither should it be ignored.  This kind of a disorder has the tendency to worsen if left untreated over time.  Among the symptoms that should alert you of bipolar disorder in the manic phase would include extreme optimism, agitation, aggressive behavior, increased sexual drive, and inability to concentrate.

These sypmtoms alternate with depression symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of interest in anything, and chronic psychosomatic pain.  More information on bipolar disorder, its symptoms, causes, and treatment are available in the internet.  It is important for anyone who might have these symptoms or know anyone who has these symptoms to be informed about what the disorder is and what effects it could have.

There are ways to control manic depressive behavior.  Joining a support group will help anyone suffering from bipolar disorder understand his situation and interact with those who are suffering the same condition.  This can also help the bipolar disorder patient stay focused on his recovery plan and get back to normal life faster.

Patience is a necessary component to recovering from bipolar disorder, as is familial support.  Taking up a hobby or getting into other activities where energies can be channeled effectively is also a good way to control bipolar disorder.  There are medications that may be prescribed by a medical professional to help treat bipolar disorders.  If this is the case, it is always advisable to take the medication as directed.

Bipolar disorder itself is not any easy illness to deal with, but bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic attacks or other mental problems combined can be disasterous.  Sometimes it takes years to get an accurate bipolar disorder diagnosis, and when bipolar is coupled with other brain problems, it’s doubly hard to get treatment.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Anxiety”

There is much danger that lurks in unexplained extreme mood swings.  Going from episodes of mania or extreme energy and optimism to episodes of depression in increasing frequencies should be a cause for alarm.  This kind of behavior is called a bipolar disorder.  Those who exhibit bipolar disorder symptoms are advised to consult with a medical professional or a psychiatrist at the soonest possible time.  Most of these people, however, are more likely to brush aside these symptoms until it blows out of proportion and affects everyone around them.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder Info”

It is not easy to live with someone who is suffering from a bipolar disorder.  The mood swings that afflict those suffering from bipolar disorder could be distracting and destructing.  It could interrupt the normal course of living and destroy relationships.  Self-destruction is one of the end-results of bipolar disorder.  Alcoholism and drug abuse are also some of the activities that people with bipolar disorder turn to.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism”

What is manic depression?  Is it the same thing as bipolar disorder or is it a completely different animal? Actually, manic depression is simply an older term for bipolar disorder.  The term bipolar disorder has become more socailly acceptable over the past 20 years or so, so that is what you will hear most people say when referring to this illness.

» Continue reading “Manic Depression”

Those with bipolar disorder frequently search for places to find help, either online or in the real world.  Bipolar help might be closer than you think.  There are many online groups and websites where you can connect with others who have bipolar disorder and professionals who are there to help.

» Continue reading “Bipolar Help”

What is stress therapy? We all have this favorite expression when it comes to being stressed out, and I wouldn’t bother naming all of them since it may also vary in different languages. But when it comes down to it, I think that it is how we work or even relax, for that matter that triggers stress. Ever been stressed even when you’re well relaxed and bored? I know I have.

» Continue reading “Bipoler Disorder and Stress Therapy”

Many people write to me and ask if I can help them figure out if they have bipolar disorder.  I alway recommend that they see a qualifed doctor, but folks still want a bipolar disorder questionnaire.  So, for those people, I STILL recommend that you see a doctor, but here is a littel questionnarie for you to look at in the meantime.

1. Do you sometimes realize that you are talking very fast and that your mind is racing?

2. Do friends and family often tell you that you are exhausting to be around?

3. Do you go through periods where I get lots and lots of work done, followed by periods where I don’t want to do anything at all?

4. Do you frequently feel as though your mind is racing and you are very irritable?

5. Do you often experience days of extreme sadness or depression?

6. Do your mood swings affect your quality of life?

7. Are you highly interested in sex during some periods, causing you to do things that you would not normally do?

8. Do you have extreme variations in the quality of work that you put out?

9. Do you sometimes, for no reason, feel very hostile or angry?

10. Do you have periods when you feel as if you are in a mental fog and other periods when you feel extremely creative?

If you answered yes to at least 6 of these questions, you might have bipolar disorder.  This is in no way a diagnosis.  You should still see a qualified physician - the sooner the better. 

If you have friends or family that you suspect have bipolar disorder, send them this bipolar disorder questionnaire to answer and you might be able to open their eyes.