Bravely Battling Bipolar
By:
Stephanie Anne Allen, NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group Facilitator
Bipolar disorder, often called manic
depression, can be a very deliberating illness to such a degree that the
individual is unable to function normally in life. The symptoms of bipolar disorder
are divided into two categories: depressive symptoms & symptoms of mania. There are also two types of bipolar
disorder. Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Also, suffering with the illness is inevitable,
but so is the hope of recovery.
Symptoms of depression include loss
of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, changes in sleep and eating
habits, hopelessness, helplessness, crying spells, and suicidal thoughts and
attempts. Often someone suffering with
depression describes that “a dark cloud has distended over their head”. They often suffer from low self-esteem and
self-worth. They believe that life has
no purpose.
Symptoms of mania include impulsive and
risky behavior, with an inflated self-ego and delusions of grandeur. They may believe that they are a saint or God
or have some other “higher status”. They
may spend excessively, gamble away their entire paycheck, or engage in irresponsible
sexual behavior. They may speed to a
great degree while driving.
When an individual experiences both
mania and depression at the very same time, it is called a mixed episode and
this can be the most dangerous state for a bipolar person to suffer with. The mania may be saying that they a martyr,
while the depression is saying that suicide is not a choice. Combine both of those and you have a suicidal
person who believes that their life’s purpose is suicide and that when they
commit it they with be seen as a hero.
A person with Bipolar I experiences
at least one episode of full-blown mania with depression. While someone diagnosed with Bipolar II has a
lesser degree of mania (hypomania) with bouts of depression.
Treatment of bipolar symptoms
include both psychiatric medications and various forms of therapy. The meds, normally mood-stabilizers, will
level out the symptoms of this mood disorder.
Therapy will help a person to problem solve and turn their lives
around. A combination of both of these
things is highly recommended.
Recovery is definitely possible. I am a prime example of someone who achieved
recovery through resilience. If I can
overcome this, I know that you can. You
must be strong, and you must never give up.
Someday my friend, you will be “in the light” again. You can get your life back! And that is what I wish for you.
(Stephanie
Anne Allen is the author of My Mental Madness Memoir, How to Survive Depression,
How to Survive Bipolar Disorder, & How to Survive Schizophrenia)
Check out all of Stephanie Anne Allen's Book here!
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
