Bipolar Disease

Common signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:

• Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or extremely irritable

• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers

• Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic

• Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up

• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next

• Highly distractible, unable to concentrate

• Impaired judgment and impulsiveness

• Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences

• Delusions and hallucinations

Common sign and symptoms of Bipolar Depression:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.

• Irritability

• Inability to experience pleasure

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Physical and mental sluggishness • Appetite or weight changes

• Sleep problems

• Concentration and memory problems

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Three types or stages of Bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar 1 Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) – The classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually Bipolar 1 Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression.

• Bipolar 2 Disorder (hypomania and depression) – In Bipolar 2 disorder, the person doesn’t experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression.

• Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) – Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

How do you know if you have a Bipolar dissorder:

• You’ve experienced repeated episodes of major depression.

• You had your first episode of major depression before age 25.

• You have a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder.

• When you’re not depressed, your mood and energy levels are higher than most people’s.

• When you’re depressed, you oversleep and overeat.

• Your episodes of major depression are short (less than 3 months).

• You’ve lost contact with reality while depressed.

• You’ve had postpartum depression before.

• You’ve developed mania or hypomania while taking an antidepressant.

• Your antidepressant stopped working after several months.

• You’ve tried 3 or more antidepressants without success.

Three therapies for Bipolar Disease:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

• Family-focused therapy

Medication Treatment:

• Check in frequently with your doctor.

• Continue taking your medication, even if your mood is stable.

• Don’t expect medication to fix all your problems.

• Be extremely cautious with antidepressants.

Tips for family help:

• Learn: read or look for a website and learn what are the symptoms

• Listen: listen to what your loved one has to say, don't treat him like a sick person, listen to how he feels and his opinion on what you can do to help him

• Ask if u can help: ask in what ways can you help your loved one

• Encourage your loved one to stick with treatment: It's key that your loved one stay on his or her bipolar medication and get regular checkups. Your loved one may also need encouragement to eat well, get enough sleep, and stay away from alcohol and drugs.

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