Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, formally known as Manic-Depression, is a mood disorder, usually involving low times (depression) and high times (mania or hypomania). There are many variations of Bipolar Disorder, such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Each subset has different diagnostic criteria.
What are Bipolar symptoms like?
Bipolar disorder is not the same for everyone. There are many variations. Some types of bipolar disorder are rapid-cycling which means that the periods of depression and mania change fast and occur often. Other people have periods of depression and/or mania that last weeks or months at a time.
For me, I have periods of hypomania (a lesser form of mania) that alternate with mild depression, quite frequently.
Sometimes hypomania is a positive experience, in that I will have lots of thoughts and ideas and I will feel like life is wonderful! I imagine that it's similar to how people often feel after having an energy drink or an espresso. However, sometimes the hypomania is not so good, and my thoughts become problematic or scattered. I also have sensitivity to light and sound sometimes. Some people find it hard to sleep when they have mania, and they may have fast or rushed speech.
Depression seems to be a lot more common than mania, but it could just be because depression is so entirely negative, so people are more likely to get treatment for it. For me, depression often involves a disinterest in activities that I normally enjoy, a lack of motivation, sometimes aches and pains, tearfulness and sadness... suicidal thoughts, sometimes.
Here is a complete list of symptoms of bipolar disorder.
For me, I have periods of hypomania (a lesser form of mania) that alternate with mild depression, quite frequently.
Sometimes hypomania is a positive experience, in that I will have lots of thoughts and ideas and I will feel like life is wonderful! I imagine that it's similar to how people often feel after having an energy drink or an espresso. However, sometimes the hypomania is not so good, and my thoughts become problematic or scattered. I also have sensitivity to light and sound sometimes. Some people find it hard to sleep when they have mania, and they may have fast or rushed speech.
Depression seems to be a lot more common than mania, but it could just be because depression is so entirely negative, so people are more likely to get treatment for it. For me, depression often involves a disinterest in activities that I normally enjoy, a lack of motivation, sometimes aches and pains, tearfulness and sadness... suicidal thoughts, sometimes.
Here is a complete list of symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Roses in the Rain
my artistic representation of bipolar disorder
Websites About Bipolar Disorder
Here are a few sites that have helped me.
- PsychEducation.org
- Wonderful website by Dr. Jim Phelps on Bipolar II, mood swings without mania, depression and anxiety, mood stabilizers, hormones and mood, and much more.
- McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web
- Huge resource of articles you can dig through.
- Suicide: Read this First
- Excerpt: "You can survive suicidal feelings if you do either of two things: (1) find a way to reduce your pain, or (2) find a way to increase your coping resources. Both are possible."
- Living as a Manic Depressive
- Jinnah's experiences with Bipolar disorder. A great site!
- Bipolar Disorder Support Community
- Anonymous & free discussion boards.
Is there a cure?
No, but you can cope.
Most books and websites will tell you that there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder but that it can be managed with medication and other treatment. Some sites will even tell you that Bipolar Disorder typically gets worse with age, and that mood episodes become worse and more frequent.
I don't believe that is true. While there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, there are so many ways to cope with the moods that life can actually get better - not worse - with age and experience.
I am doing better than I was several years ago, and I contribute that mostly to having a very supportive husband, being able to work at home in a pretty stress-free environment, and having learned how to recognize and cope with my mood changes.
Stress increases bipolar symptoms.
Learning how to cope reduces stress and therefore reduces symptoms.
It makes sense, doesn't it?
However, there is one thing I've learned that I have to watch out for. It's for those times when I feel just so great that I think the Bipolar stuff went away. Then I decide I don't want to take my supplements/medications and that I can follow through on all of my crazy whims... And then the Bipolar stuff comes crashing back. I have to remember that "feeling so good" is actually a symptom, even if it is a positive one.
And I do have more positive days than bad days, so that's good. Believe me, you can have more good days than bad, too.
Most people have to cope with something in life. Maybe it's some sort of pain, headaches, panic attacks, a chronic disease... Coping with Bipolar Disorder is similar to any of those things. You might think, "Well I don't know how I'm going to be feeling in an hour..." and well, a lot of people also don't know how they are going to be feeling either. So that's how I relate it to other people.
I don't believe that is true. While there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, there are so many ways to cope with the moods that life can actually get better - not worse - with age and experience.
I am doing better than I was several years ago, and I contribute that mostly to having a very supportive husband, being able to work at home in a pretty stress-free environment, and having learned how to recognize and cope with my mood changes.
Stress increases bipolar symptoms.
Learning how to cope reduces stress and therefore reduces symptoms.
It makes sense, doesn't it?
However, there is one thing I've learned that I have to watch out for. It's for those times when I feel just so great that I think the Bipolar stuff went away. Then I decide I don't want to take my supplements/medications and that I can follow through on all of my crazy whims... And then the Bipolar stuff comes crashing back. I have to remember that "feeling so good" is actually a symptom, even if it is a positive one.
And I do have more positive days than bad days, so that's good. Believe me, you can have more good days than bad, too.
Most people have to cope with something in life. Maybe it's some sort of pain, headaches, panic attacks, a chronic disease... Coping with Bipolar Disorder is similar to any of those things. You might think, "Well I don't know how I'm going to be feeling in an hour..." and well, a lot of people also don't know how they are going to be feeling either. So that's how I relate it to other people.
Treating Depression & Mania
I have been working on coping with my mood swings for six years now, and I feel like I might know a few things that could be helpful to someone.
First of all, medication can be a wonderful thing. Commonly prescribed medications include the mood stabilizers Lithium Carbonate and Depakote; atypical anti-psychotics like Seroquel and Abilify; antidepressants like Prozac; and medications for anxiety. There are lots of different medications available, those are just to name a few. Medication really made a big difference for me, and it might for you, too. Of course, there might be side effects, and you might not find the right medication at first.
Therapy can help a lot, too. It is definitely an option that should be considered.
I've done a lot of self-therapy on myself. Basically, I have been working on recognizing my emotions and trying to change the thoughts that are causing the emotions, or change the thoughts the result because of the emotions. This is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A lot of people go through life without really thinking about their thoughts or emotions. If you don't like the thoughts that you are having, change them. I know that's easier said than done - sometimes thoughts tend to repeat themselves and go in circles - but with a lot of work, you can do it. It's often easier to do this kind of therapy while taking medication, and hence that's why medication and therapy often are prescribed together.
A good book on how to do this kind of self-therapy is called The Feeling Good Handbook. The Bipolar Workbook also has a section on this.
First of all, medication can be a wonderful thing. Commonly prescribed medications include the mood stabilizers Lithium Carbonate and Depakote; atypical anti-psychotics like Seroquel and Abilify; antidepressants like Prozac; and medications for anxiety. There are lots of different medications available, those are just to name a few. Medication really made a big difference for me, and it might for you, too. Of course, there might be side effects, and you might not find the right medication at first.
Therapy can help a lot, too. It is definitely an option that should be considered.
I've done a lot of self-therapy on myself. Basically, I have been working on recognizing my emotions and trying to change the thoughts that are causing the emotions, or change the thoughts the result because of the emotions. This is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A lot of people go through life without really thinking about their thoughts or emotions. If you don't like the thoughts that you are having, change them. I know that's easier said than done - sometimes thoughts tend to repeat themselves and go in circles - but with a lot of work, you can do it. It's often easier to do this kind of therapy while taking medication, and hence that's why medication and therapy often are prescribed together.
A good book on how to do this kind of self-therapy is called The Feeling Good Handbook. The Bipolar Workbook also has a section on this.
Natural Herbs, Supplements, and Alternative Treatments that May Help Bipolar Disorder
a list of supplements that may help depression, anxiety, and mood swings
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before trying any of these.
- Magnesium 200-250 mg, the citrate or chelate versions seem to be good. It really helps me when I have mild depression, moodiness, or other so-so moods. Also works well for PMS tearfulness/roller coaster emotions. Can cause sleepiness, but not always does. Some people do take it for sleep. When I take it for a mood problem, it usually lasts half or all day, and often relieves my symptoms without making me sleepy, but of course, this probably will vary from person to person. Available on Amazon.com
- Vitamin B6 I often take it along with magnesium for down moods. Seems to lift my mood a bit. Other B vitamins may work well, too.
- Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids Many studies have been done for treating Bipolar Depression and Unipolar Depression, some show that it may help. Available from Amazon.com
- 5-HTP This supplement is a pre-cursor to the neurotransmitter Serotonin, and taking 5-HTP may cause an increase in serotonin in the brain. I find it helpful with anxiety and also with sleep. Check out Wikipedia's page on 5-HTP for information, or the reviews and products available on iHerb.
- St John's Wort This herb may work as anti-depressant. Check out Wikipedia article. NOTE: Should not be taken with birth control pills, may make birth control pills ineffective.
Tips on Coping with Bipolar Disorder
- Tell someone how you feel. For some reason, just telling someone how I'm feeling makes it a lot easier to deal with. I think it's because the pressure of having to cope with it is no longer something I have to take on by myself, and often just the act of telling someone my feelings makes them get a little bit better. It also helps to know that they accept me and and my feelings, and that they will help me try to feel better.
- Write about your feelings. Keeping a journal can be very helpful. In your journal entries, you can even write down strategies that you think will help. It is like having a conversation with yourself.
- Take a short walk. Leave your house, walk for 7.5 minutes in any direction, then turn around, and come home. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Check out this page on information about the link between exercise and mood. Sometimes, when I'm down it's hard to accomplish much at all, so if I can get a walk in, at least I was able to complete one goal for the day and feel good about that, you know?
- Keep a Mood Chart Keeping track of your moods will make it easier for you to see patterns. Plus it makes it easier to see whether medications or other treatments are helping. You can chart your moods on your computer or download this chart (a word file) and print it out.
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Both can worsen mood swings.
Blogs and Websites Written by People with Bipolar Disorder
and other mental health problems
You're not alone.
Have a blog, Squidoo Lens, or other website about coping with your symptoms? There is a lot of crossover in symptoms, so even if you do not have Bipolar disorder, but share some of the same experiences as people with Bipolar, then please feel free to add your site here.
You Me and Apollo: Hope Beyond Bipolar Disorder by J.D. Stottlemire (Book) in Diet & Health
You Me and Apollo: Hope Beyond Bipolar Disorder by more...1 point
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Your information source to Bipolar disorder, also more...1 point
Treating Bipolar Disorder - A Blog by Julie Fast
Straight Talk and Solutions for Living Well with B more...1 point
-BEEN BROKEN-
Enjoyable read from a person who feels broken.0 points
My Other Writings about Bipolar Disorder
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Cyclothymia: A Mild Form of Bipolar II Disorder
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There are so many variations of Bipolar Disorder.. the up and downs of depression and mania can be severe or mild. This page is about the milder form, Cyclothymia, which Mayo clinic describes as: "Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a chroni...
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Hypomania Mood, a component of Bipolar II Disorder and Cyclothymia
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Hypomania means "below mania" or "less than mania" and refers to a mood that is often described as "feeling up." Sometimes hypomania is a pleasureable experience with lots of ideas going through my head and feeling...
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How I Cope with Depression
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I have Bipolar Disorder and I cycle through different kinds of depression. For me, not all depression is alike. Here are some distinct types I've experienced: "I feel flat." Lack of emotion. Sometimes it feels like I'm outside of myself, watching e...
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Recommended Reading
The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings
If there was just ONE book I would recommend, this would be it. I have the book and it is extremely useful. This book has been really helpful in teaching me how to recognize my symptoms.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/15/2009) 
Used Price: $12.29
Why Am I Still Depressed? Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder
This is the book version of the website psycheducation.org The website is so very good, that I'm sure the book is just as good. It deals with Bipolar II, which is mood swings without Mania.
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 11/15/2009)
Used Price: $6.95
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/15/2009)
Used Price: $2.93
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition
Amazon Price: $25.50 (as of 11/15/2009)
Used Price: $19.00
Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 11/15/2009)
Used Price: $2.85
Guestbook
If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, I would love to hear from you!
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- Irenemaria Irenemaria Jun 3, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
- This is such difficult sickness. Many can not realize how it feels or what to do or say! Your lens is very informative! I gave it to a friend in need of information!
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- bipolar_bare bipolar_bare Apr 11, 2009 @ 12:09 am
- Nice lens! You've got a great collection of tips and resources here. I'd love it if you'd drop by my lens and say hello when you have the chance.
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- BiPolar Blues BiPolar Blues Mar 29, 2009 @ 3:53 am
- Great Lens - Acupuncture is another great form of natural therapy. I will be posting an article on the benefits sometime this week on the BiPolar Blues community website.
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- katemclaughlin katemclaughlin Aug 22, 2008 @ 8:53 am
- Wonderful lens! You have put together a great collection of resources and information. I'd love it if you'd stop by my lens and say hello when you get the chance.
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- LiveYourDreams LiveYourDreams Jun 30, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
- Well done hotbrain! I have been coping for over 20 years now. Keep up the good work
Ross
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by hotbrain
Greetings, and welcome to my lens. I have bipolar disorder. I first got treatment about six years ago, but probably have had it for longer than that.&... (more)
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