What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness or bipolar affective disorder is a brain disorder that causes extreme mood swings. The mood swings are different form the normal ups and downs that we all experience.
What are some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), "People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in different periods called" mood episodes. "The elevated moods, which are due to over-stimulation or an unusual amount of luck thus most often referred to as manic episodes. People with bipolar disorder also experience major depressive episodes that characterized by extreme sadness and / or hopelessness. One of the most difficult aspects bipolar disorder and the emotional swings back and forth between mania and depression. "Extreme changes in energy, sleep, and behavior go along with these changes in mood" (NIMH).
Changes between mania and depression are called cycling. Some cases, people experience what is called "rapid-cycling", which means the individual suffering with the disease often goes back and forth between mania and depression several times in a week or even a day rather than having long periods of depression by occasional episodes mania, or vice versa.
What are the effects of the disease on the patient? For those individuals who have bipolar disorder with rapid cycling, the back and forth can be physically demanding. Mania tends to take a lot of energy, because the atmosphere and the accompanying behaviors are so extreme and often intense. Some researchers believe that the crash after a manic episode can be reinforced his lack of sleep and ramped up activity through exhaustion cause. Emotionally, cycling is taking it as well. Confusion is not uncommon, because a minute is the individual flies high and the next it crashes often cry accompanied by long sequences.
What are the effects of the disease on the family? The frequent mood swings with bipolar disorder may cause confusion and emotionally stressful for family members. Younger children may not understand why their loved one is happy one minute and sad or upset the next. Patience, education and compassion are needed to support a family member with bipolar disorder. Below are some tips that will help you on your journey. Tips for helping family members support a loved one with bipolar disorder.
Avoid labeling - Do not try to identify your loved one through their illness. Avoid phrases like "Teresa is bipolar." Finally, we are not saying, "Teresa is a depression" or "Teresa is cancer." It is much better to call it what it is. "Teresa has bipolar disorder / disease."
Understanding behaviors - Become an expert in this field. Knowledge can help demystify the unknown. Can improve education for the whole family symptom management to prevent and alleviate medication compliance, relapse and stress for everyone. Learn to see the behavior of your loved one associated with the disease. Their behavior is not personal. If your loved one suddenly excited, upset or angry about something, it can be a symptom of their disease. This requires patience and compassion, not lecturing!
Pay attention to your own behaviors - If you have your loved one's behavior, be transferred those feelings to your loved one feel angry, sad or anxious and can negatively affect your relationship. If you want to monitor your own feelings and behaviors, you will be better equipped to help your loved one. If you are simply having a bad day just yourself, let your loved ones know and then lay low for a while. It is important to tell your loved one how you feel, so that they do not feel rejected, or as you are to ignore them.
Learn the Symptoms - One of the best things you can do for yourself is to be educated about the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The National Institutes for Mental Health offers a variety of free and credible information.
Know the Warning Signs - Suicide, which is both a stereotypical yet highly individualized act, is a common endpoint for many patients with serious psychiatric disorders. The affective disorders (depression and bipolar manic depression) are by far the most common psychiatric disorders associated with suicide. At least 25% to 50% of patients with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once also. Risk factors:
With mental and substance abuse disorders
Family history of mental or substance abuse disorders
After attempted suicide before
With a family history of physical or sexual abuse
With family or friends who have made a suicide attempt
Keeping a firearm in the home Suicide Warning Signs
Talking about suicide
Always talking or thinking about death
Creating comments about being hopeless, helpless, worthless or
Say things like: "It would be better if I was not here" or "I want out"
Worsening of depression
A sudden change from very sad, very calm or appearing to be happy
With a "death wish," the fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
Losing interest in things you used to care for
Visiting or calling people one cares about
Putting affairs in order ... tie loose ends ... Changing a Will...
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