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Bipolar Disorder is a serious, but treatable,
What is Bipolar II
The actual cause of the disease is unknown, making a diagnosis very frustrating for both the patient and their family.
One possible cause is thought to be a chemical imbalance in the brain. Genetics also contribute to the probability that one may develop bipolar disorder.
The general idea is that the disorder can be inherited through abnormal genes that produce too little or too much of a certain chemical to elicit the correct response to certain events. This might explain why manic or depressive episodes are sometimes triggered by stressful life events, though it is hard to say whether the imbalances are a cause of the mood disorder a result of it.
Bipolar, also known as Manic-Depressive disorder, differs greatly from clinical depression though the symptoms of the depressive state are very similar. Manic-Depressive patients often describe mood swings, which can fluctuate from great amounts of energy and confidence to a deep and dangerous level of despair.
The depressive episodes are characterized by symptoms such as prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells. There may also be unexplained changes in eating or sleeping habits accompanied by unexplained aches and pains and extreme fatigue.
Other common complaints include irritability, unexplained anger, anxiety, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, indecisiveness, recurring suicidal thoughts, and an inability to take pleasure in former interests.
On the other side of the spectrum lies the manic episode, marked by increased physical and mental activity and energy with a decreased need for sleep. In addition, the patient may show signs of a heightened mood paired with delusions of grandeur and an inflated sense of self-importance.
Accompanying this is usually racing speech and thought. Most often, there are also instances of reckless behavior, impulsivity, poor judgment, and an inability to concentrate. Some cases also report hallucinations and delusions.
There is a wide variety of treatment options for bipolar patients.
Medication is used to promote mood stability and counter hallucinations and/or delusions. However, this is seldom the only method used. Patients are usually encouraged to undergo talk therapy as well to both learn to help themselves and how to cope with the stigma of bipola
When I am Hypomanic
I get ideas on all the things I want to do. Good ideas, even great ideas.
I think this is what the standard texts mean by grandiose ideas, but it doesn't manifest as "grandiose." Just good ideas and lots and lots of them. The number of things I am thinking of can get so numerous and intense that they can halt any functionality I have as I sit down and think on them instead of getting ahead with what I have to do.
How It Feels When I Am Depressed
My Fav Self Help Book
Worth it, even if it just helps a little.
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and Updated
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/09/2009)
This book is arguably the best self-help book available for anyone suffering from depression. It presents the basics of congitive therapy in a format that the average person can use. Cognitive therapy and the overwhelming scientific evidence for its effectiveness are described in the first few chapters. Dysfunctional thought records are introduced as the primary self-help technique for the reader next (in a chapter labeled as self-esteem so do not skip it).
Personal Link List
Bipolar disorder is found in disproportionate numbers in people with creative talent such as artists, musicians, authors, poets, and scientists, and it has been speculated that the mechanisms which cause the disorder may be related to those responsible for creativity in these persons. Bipolar I disorder, the diagnosis of which requires over the entire course of the individual's life at least one manic (or mixed) state episode which is usually (though not always) accompanied by major depressive episodes.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation's leading patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses - depression and bipolar disorder
- Bipolar World
- We are a support and educational web site for individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder (Manic Depressive Illness), and for the families and friends who care for them.
"We have walked many miles in your moccasins and truly understand the need for understanding, support and empathy, whether you are newly diagnosed or experienced with the illness. - Extensive Mental Health Information on Specific Topics
- Bipolar II is a version of Bipolar Disorder: depression is obvious but mild phases of high
energy ("hypomania"), which can just look like anxiety and insomnia, are also present.
This doesn't look at all like "manic-depression", just big mood and energy swings. But
Bipolar II can be as severe as other forms of Bipolar Disorder, maybe even more prone
to suicide. Bipolar II is an "official" diagnosis in the Bipolar Disorders group
News
Most recent Bipolar Disorder Headlines
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Plan for Life
- Plan for Life
- Create a Plan for Life
Many depression-related suicides occur during the first three depressive episodes before a person learns that an episode of suicidal thinking is temporary.
As people learn from experience that any given episode will eventually pass, the likelihood that they will actually act on suicidal impulses drops sharply. It is important to have a course of action ready before thoughts of suicide occur. Some people find it helpful to develop a Plan for Life. The Plan for Life lists warning signs you should watch for and actions to take if you feel that you are slipping into suicidal thoughts
Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
The absence of a definitive test (for the disease) makes it easy to forget that you have a bio-chemical imbalance and even easier to believe that you never had one in the first place," he writes. "... Many people start to believe that 'I had this illness once, but now it's under my control,' especially when they've been well for a while. But bipolar symptoms have a way of recurring when you least expect them." The book offers a wealth of material that can help demystify the disorder.
Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 12/09/2009)
Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 12/09/2009)
Semi-Deep Thought
- Lily Tomlin as Edith Ann
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Learn About Google Earth ( My Passion )
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Google Earth is a 3D graphics application enabling the viewing of aerial photography and satellite images to show views of the Earth from above in great detail. Google has taken the features Google Maps and merged it with the capabilities...
Excellent Book
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 12/09/2009)
Over the past 20 years I've had several friends who suffered from manic-depressive illnesses. It's abundantly clear to me that the disease is primarily biochemical and "not their fault." But I had trouble understanding why these people refused to take their medication (or stopped taking it after they started) and otherwise engaged in massive denial. Jamison's frank and well-written book was a revelation: now I feel I have a better sense of the seductiveness of mania, and why creative, intelligent people are often willing to risk the lows of their illness for the sake of the highs.
Bipolar News
Source: Medical News Today
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMental Health Journals
Mental Health Today
Amazon Price: $123.87 (as of 12/10/2009)
Sometime you just have to smile and live on.
Like the shirt :)
"I'm bipolar."
"What's bipolar?"
"Manic Depression."
"Oh, isn't that what Patty Duke had?"
"Yeah, but mine's not a Brilliant Madness, it's a pain in the ass."
I once told my mother I was destined to be a great writer. Why, she asked. Because I've met the requisite hospital lock ups and suicide attempts. She wasn't amused.
- my lifelong struggles with depression and mania
- Excellent articles, very real!!!
- Antiepileptics Not Linked to Bipolar Suicide Attempts | Psych ...
- A new study suggests medications directed at reducing or preventing convulsions -- so-called antiepileptic drugs -- do not appear to be associated with.
- I think my mom's bipolar... please help... I'm only 11 - Psych ...
- For as long as I can remeber, my mom has been "crazy" the easiest term. I remember, she once threw a pot out a window... She kicks me.. She hits me.. SHe has all these different mood swings... im only eleven i have a 5 year old ...
- Improving the Workplace for Those with Bipolar Disorder
- Life with bipolar disorder is a 400 meter, long hurdle race. Nowhere is this more telling than the workplace. For those with severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, there are obstacles just getting out of bed and to the office ...
More Great Info
- Bipolar Disorder & the Creative Impact on Society - Associated Content
- Robin Williams:
Born in 1952, Robin Williams began his early career on the television show "Mork and Mindy". Most notably considered a comedian full of excitable energy. Although not openly acknowledged, Robin Willliams is believed to be a sufferer of bipolar disorder as exhibited through his creativity and impulsivity. - Bipolar Support: It Takes Skill to Be a Supporter - Associated Content
- As a supporter, don't you sometimes feel unappreciated? Underrated? Taken for granted?
Bipolar
Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Individuals and Families by Michael Otto, Noreen Reilly-Harrington, Robert O. Knauz, Aude Henin, Jane N. Kogan, Gary S. Sachs
Living with bipolar disorder is a challenge, and t more...0 points
Friends and Family Bipolar Survival Guide by Debra Meehl and Mark Meehl
This wonderful new book is designed specifically f more...0 points
