| Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a | | | | 4. Do not become isolated. Do not try to "handle" |
| life-long illness affecting the chemistry of the brain. In | | | | bipolar disorder alone. Seeking out the comfort and |
| classic cases, it causes severe mood swings from | | | | understanding of family and friends is central to a |
| manic episodes of extreme highs to depressive | | | | person's treatment. It can be very helpful to join a |
| episodes of debilitating lows, with relatively normal | | | | bipolar disorder support group because the people |
| periods in-between. According to the National | | | | there understand the feelings and difficulties of living |
| Institute of Mental Health, over 2 million people age | | | | with the illness. They can lend insight and |
| 18 and older have been diagnosed with bipolar | | | | encouragement to a person confronting a diagnosis. |
| disorder. | | | | 5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to |
| Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder at | | | | establish regular healthy routines such as exercising |
| this time. But as with any chronic illness, such as | | | | the same time everyday, going to bed at the same |
| diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy, proper treatment, | | | | time each night and waking up at the same time |
| management and understanding of the illness is crucial. | | | | each morning. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty |
| Most people with bipolar disorder can lead full, | | | | of sleep, because erratic sleep patterns can increase |
| productive and satisfying lives by taking crucial steps | | | | the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Do not use |
| to control and manage their illness. | | | | caffeine or recreational drugs. |
| Some key steps to consider if you or a loved one | | | | 6. Become an expert on bipolar disorder. Become |
| have bipolar disorder include: | | | | involved in understanding the symptoms and |
| 1. Find a mental health professional you trust. A | | | | treatment of bipolar disorder and the effects it can |
| person diagnosed with bipolar disorder needs to | | | | have on family and friends. Consult a qualified mental |
| establish a relationship with a trusted mental health | | | | health professional with questions and concerns. Read |
| professional where an open and honest exchange | | | | books about the illness or listen to lectures by |
| can take place. | | | | experts. Learn as much about bipolar disorder as |
| 2. Take medication as prescribed. This is first and | | | | possible because knowledge is a powerful tool in |
| foremost the most important step in taking control | | | | taking out the mystery of the illness. |
| of bipolar disorder. It is the one element that needs | | | | 7. Enhance life with enjoyable things. Make it a priority |
| to be strictly adhered to. In order for medication to | | | | to engage in things that bring about feelings of joy, |
| work effectively it must be taken consistently and | | | | happiness, and accomplishment. Hobbies or activities |
| for the long term. It may be tempting to stop taking | | | | that enhance a sense of peace or relaxation serve |
| medication as symptoms lessen and one starts | | | | one well in dealing with the confusion of bipolar |
| feeling better. However, this could have devastating | | | | disorder. |
| consequences. | | | | A diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not have to |
| 3. Reduce Stress. Mental health professionals typically | | | | mean the end of one's world; rather it can be |
| believe that increased stress can trigger an episode | | | | considered a new beginning. One that, at last, |
| of manic depression. Finding time to relax, sharing | | | | provides an explanation and ultimate relief from some |
| extra responsibilities, or simply talking to someone | | | | of the unexplained and destructive behaviors a |
| during a stressful event may help to bring on an | | | | person might exhibit, freeing them to live rich and |
| increased feeling of calmness. | | | | fulfilling lives. |