Saturday, January 24, 2009

Bipolar Disease - Mania

By Ken P Doyle

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings vary from manic, an extremely euphoric or exited state, to a state of severe depression. The manic phase can progress into psychosis, the sense of reality is altered which makes them a danger to themselves or others. They may have delusions or hallucinations when in this stage of the illness. After the manic phase has passed, a severe depression is likely to set in. A depression so severe that the sufferer will withdraw from reality to the point of staying isolated for days inside their room or house. This stage of depression is where the greatest danger lies. Many sufferers commit suicide when in this state of mind.

Support Groups

Bipolar sufferers must come to realize that they are not alone and, with the proper treatment plan, their condition can be controlled. The patient can learn how others with bipolar disorder cope with their mood swings and improve their lives by joining support groups guided by a therapist or other moderator. They will be able to make friends with other bipolar sufferers who know what it feels like to live with the disorder and give them that sense of companionship. If you are suffering from bipolar mania then it is very important that you fond a support group. It will help greatly to interact with others with the same problems and will help you get through the agony of loneliness and isolation being experienced.

Many support groups with bipolar disorder can be accessed through the internet. There are forums where you can talk, share about anything and everything, from thoughts and feelings you are going through and to how you are coping with them. Reading what others have written can help you cope with your illness. And when you share your experiences and how you are coping with certain phases of the illness you can help others with the same illness continue with life. Making friends is vitally important because when you need them they will be there for you especially when you are going through mood stages in your life. Many people who go online share their experiences and offer very good and useful tips on topics relevant to bipolar mania.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse is common in a person suffering from bipolar disorder. They use and abuse these drugs to try to ease the suffering that bipolar disorder brings. This makes a diagnosis of the condition more difficult. Support groups are very effective for bipolar patients who also abuse drugs or alcohol. The substance abuse issues are addressed as well as coping with the severe mood changes associated with bipolar mania. Medication should be combined with therapy for best results. It is important to find the right combination of treatments to fit each individual case.

Having the support of friends and family members is also a very important aspect. Friends and family will understand the disorder better through support groups as well. This gives them new ideas in finding ways to help and support their loved ones get through their suffering. It is especially helpful to those patients who dont feel comfortable sharing their problems in a group setting. Given this situation, they will benefit greatly from individual therapy with the goal of being prepared to face group therapy in the future. - 20897

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