Bipolar Disorder Issues

            To start with lets examine bipolar disorder also known as manic depression.  There are two ends to the bipolar spectrum and a middle zone.  The first is manic episodes, which consist of, and extremely high mood, irritability, increased energy, restlessness, racing thoughts, little need for sleep and being highly distractible.  At first glance this may sound like a good thing…you’re on top of the world.  Unfortunately it also leads to reckless behaviors like over spending, taking major risks, problems at work and possibly drug or alcohol abuse.  One these manic days you will feel as if you are doing great.  In severe bipolar disorder delusions and hallucinations can also take place. 

            The other end of the spectrum is bipolar depression.  This depression can last for days or months depending on the severity of the bipolar disorder.  A person in the depressed episode may be too tired to get out of bed, feel hopeless, sad, empty, unable to feel pleasure, fatigue, weight changes, sleep problems, concentration and or memory issues, and thoughts of death or suicide.  This means that a person in bipolar depression needs to be closely monitored for doing harm to themselves or others. 

            The middle line and probably most confusing bipolar episode is a mixed episode.  This is where one may feel signs of both mania and depression.  This form of mixed episode leads to a very high risk for suicide. 

            If for any reason you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder, please seek medical treatment as soon as possible.  Bipolar disorder will not just go away.  This is a disease that can run in families and can be very destructive to your career, relationships and lifestyle.  Long-term treatment is essential to controlling bipolar disorder.  This treatment will often take the form of medications, therapy and a social network of support. 

            All this said, there are things you can do to help yourself.  Lifestyle changes can be the most effective at helping yourself.  Avoid stress, eat right and keep a constant sleep pattern.  These things will help manage bipolar disorder.  Something else to try is having support people.  Whomever you can depend on to talk to or help get you through a situation needs to be am integral part of your self-help plan. 

            Suicide is a very real threat with bipolar disorder.  Look for warning signs such as talking about death or self-harm, hopelessness, acting recklessly and feeling like a burden to others.  Keep therapist’s phone numbers close at hand is case their help is needed for a suicidal person.

Beyond this I have my own personal issues with being bipolar.  I was finally diagnosed three years ago after many, many years of manic and depressive episodes; finally my husband said I should look into what is causing my severe depressive episodes.  My doctor immediately recognized the issues and sent me to a qualified psychiatrist for treatment.  This led to issues with my medications.  Depakote made me gain fifty pounds in three months (I’m still fighting that weight battle).  Naturally I got into a depressive episode over such a weight gain.  I was changed to Geodon and had a massive allergic reaction.  Finally I was put of Abilify and have been one it for over a year with good results.  Along with this I also take anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications.  These are some potent medications that have mind-altering effects.  I have one medication to control depression, one medication for anxiety and yet a third medication for manic episodes.  Heaven forbid I forget any one of these mediations.  The results of missing one medication vary from deep depression, manic episodes, panic and anxiety attacks, not eating and so much more.  On top of these medications I have been prescribed thyroid pills because the bipolar medications slowed down my thyroid and thereby my metabolism.  Which leads to issue two with being bipolar.

            Second is the weight gain.  I went from 150 pounds to 200 pounds on bipolar medications.  My husband says the pills don’t have the calories it’s the food you eat so stop eating so much.  Easy for him to say.  Granted he just misses the slim me, but I can starve myself and exercise and still not lose a pound.  I can eat just fruits and vegetables and walk everyday and not lose a pound.  So this sets into frustration over being over weight.  Let’s face it I’m fat now.  But I just try to live a healthy life and move on from my weight issues, but it’s very hard to move on.

            My third issue with being bipolar is being tired all the time.  The medications I take for bipolar disorder all make me tired.  It makes it very hard to keep up with kids, housework, appointments, writing, making meals and all the other things a mom needs to do.  These things have to be done but where do you get the energy?  I don’t even have the energy left for sex anymore.  Can you imagine the relationship stress that brings up?  Besides, I’m just not interested in sex anymore – another side effects of the medications.

            My fourth issue with being bipolar is medical insurance.  The medical insurance makes it very difficult to get enough therapist visits for the whole year.  What good is a therapist if you only see her once a month?  A lot happens in a month.  So I have learned that additional support people are essential.  It is truly necessary to have someone to talk to besides your therapist.  It could be your spouse, parent or best friend.  Someone will be needed for sure.  Also make sure you have a therapist that can be reached by phone.  This can be an invaluable service when things get really bad.  Say you get into an argument with your spouse or boss and your moods go off the wall.  Call your therapist immediately and have her/him talk you through it.

            One final major piece of advice is to avoid stress if at all possible.  Stress can come from arguments with your significant other, work, schedules, deadlines, car trouble and so much more.  If you know certain things really trigger your stress levels try your best to avoid that situation.  Stress can cause a bipolar person all kinds of problems from severe mood swings to deep depression.  Always be on the look out for your trigger points and learn how to avoid them or keep yourself calm during those situations.