To patients with bipolar disorder...?
489257
Bi Polar disorder is characterised by 'mood swings'. In my case I did not sleep well for about a year then I stopped sleeping completely for about 8 days and I began to lose 'insight' - I began exercising in the middle of the night, had loads of energy. Didn't eat much either and started getting some strong 'notions' that people around me couldn't relate to. I talked a lot more than usual and it was hard to follow me, so I am told. This was my 'manic' phase. It was pretty scary. I then became severely depressed. It took me along time to find 'normal' moods again. It takes patience and a good deal of getting to know yourself better. (foods and drink that help/hinder - )\nI struggled with anxiety for years before this occurred. I have been on both Lithium and depakote. Am on (epilim) which is very similar to depakote now (it is easier on my stomach than Dep- but not licensed for BiPolar like Depakote- They are both Valproic acid essentially). It is hard to say how efective it is. You will put on a little weight but it can really help if you are prone to getting 'manic'.\nGood luck. If you want to chat further feel free to contact me and I would be happy to share any relevant experiences with you.
609022
I think that is Multiple Sclerosis. There are many websites and associations for patients and their falimy members,just use search engine.\n\nThe other you mentioned: at http://www.transpersonal-web.com/bipolar-mental-illness.shtml
424774
I was diagnosed borderline.. /by polar about a year ago... they put me on Saroquel and I'm a lot better now.  I know I was hard to live/deal with.  You just have to be patient if you love the person.  Saroquel was a life saver for me though.
892656
I see all the answers given and there isn't one good one. People with bipolar are not all psychos, they are people living day to day the best they can. They have jobs families and lives like everyone else. There are a few that may cause problems because they refuse to take their meds but I don't see them everyday ruining the lives around them anymore than I see normal people walking down the street.\n\nWhat happened to compassion for your fellow man. People don't ask to be bipolar. Have you ever heard someone bitch about a cancer patient going through treatment? No. Bipolar is a disease like any other and the people that have it deserve the kindness that anyone else does. \n\nSo to answer your question. People are ass****!
1185919
bipolar disorder, as mood stabilizing drug
373549
Just tell them about how you feel. Tell them if anyone else in the family has depression or bipolar disorder because sometimes it runs in the family. It is important to tell your doctor though, because they can help you. My son and I both have depression, and my ex has bi-polar. We take medication and it helps a whole lot. It wasn't hard to talk to my doctor at all.
1174473
SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER \n\nSymptoms of the Depression Phase \n\nThe symptoms of depression experienced in bipolar disorder are almost identical to those of major depression, the primary form of unipolar depressive disorder. They include the following: \nSad mood. \n\n\nFatigue or loss of energy. \n\n\nSleep problems (insomnia, excessive sleeping, or shallow sleep with frequent awakenings). \n\n\nWeight changes (either gain or loss). \n\n\nDiminished ability to concentrate or make decisions. \n\n\nAgitation or markedly sedentary behavior. \n\n\nFeelings of guilt, pessimism, helplessness, and low self-esteem. \n\n\nLoss of interest or pleasure in life. \n\n\nThoughts of, or attempts at, suicide. \nDepressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder often differ from those of unipolar depressive disorder in the following ways: \nPeople with unipolar depression can still experience a variety of moods, but the moods are neither elevated nor pathological and the affected person does not meet the criteria for mania. [ See Well-Connected Report #8, Depression.]\n\n\nEpisodes of depression in bipolar disorder are less likely to have a specific trigger than are those with major depression disorder. \n\n\nBipolar depression does not typically last as long as major depression (although left untreated some bipolar disorder episodes can still last six to 12 months). \n\n\nBipolar depressive episodes develop more gradually than those caused by major depression. \n\n\nDepressive symptoms in bipolar disorder patients also tend to be atypical, i.e., one sees an increase in sleep and appetite, a feeling of heaviness and slowness in the body, a tendency to feel rejected, and a preservation of volatile mood. \n\n\nOne interesting study reported that many bipolar disorder patients experienced dreams of death at the low point of their depression, and those dreams were soon followed by an upward mood change. \nSymptoms of the Acute Manic Phase \n\nThe acute manic phase is always characterized by mood elevation, either presented as exaggerated euphoria, irritability, or both. The episode lasts for at least a week or for any duration if it was severe enough to cause hospitalization. \n\nIn addition, certain other symptoms are present to assist in making a diagnosis. Some mental health professionals use the mnemonic device DIGFAST to identify them. \n\nIn general, for a diagnosis of mania, patient must have experienced either euphoria with three DIGFAST symptoms or irritability with four of these symptoms: \nD. Distractibility. This is the most common symptom and is usually characterized by the inability to pay attention to any activity for very long. \n\n\nI. Insomnia in mania typically means having high energy and requiring less sleep. (This differs from insomnia in depression, in which the patient has low energy plus an inability to sleep.) \n\n\nG. Grandiosity. Patients with this symptom have an inflated sense of themselves, which, in severe cases, can be delusional. Close to 60% of all manic patients experience feelings of omnipotence. Sometimes they feel that they are godlike or have celebrity status. \n\n\nF. Flight of ideas. Thoughts literally race. \n\n\nA. Activity. An increase in intensity in goal-directed activities occurs, which is related to social behavior, sexual activity, work, school, or combinations. \n\n\nS. Speech. Excessive talking. Is present \n\n\nT. Thoughtlessness. Excessive involvement in high-risk activities is present (e.g., unrestrained shopping, promiscuity). Mood disturbance may be severe enough to damage one's job or social functioning or relationships with others, or which require hospitalization to prevent harm to others or to the self. \nHypomania. With hypomania the symptoms of mania are milder and of shorter duration (but they last at least four days). They do not affect social or work life as dramatically. \n\nMixed or Pure Mania. Manic episodes themselves can be characterized as mixed mania or pure mani
592319
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!
895030
I have treatment resistant depression and possible bipolar disorder.  The first thing to realize is that bipolar disorder is an illness, not a personality defect, result of sin or personal weakness.  \n\n"Healing" can come in many ways; medication is vital, as bipolar is a disruption in the chemical and possibly structural set up of the brain, just like diabetes is a disruption in the chemical and structural set up of the pancreas.  \n\nCounselling, both secular and Christian, can give you a safe outlet to express the emotions that come with having an illness like this-anger, fear, sadness and so on.\n\nIf you've not allowed yourself to feel, then I'm guessing you've also not grieved the illness and what it has taken away from you and the problems it's caused?  It is okay to cry and to grieve-and even to get angry at God and tell Him as much.  He knows how you're feeling and wants you to open up and let Him know.  \n\nThere is a good book called, "Grieving Mental Illness", by Virgina Lafond.  It walks you through the grieving process as it relates to having to live with a life-long mental illness.\n\nYou can ask for prayers from friends, loved ones, pastors and so on-but remember we are to pray, "Thy will be done" and sometimes God's answer is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2Cor.12:9) \n\nI have created a good helping team who have enabled me to see improvement in my illness that we thought would be impossible.  This team includes my doctors (family doc, psychiatrist, and endocrinologist), a mental health worker/counsellor, my pastors, friends and family.  Each one has their own way to help me or care for me and very rarely do these team members overlap-each has their own special way to help.\n\nGood luck and God's blessings to you.
526176
Some people who are bipolar are like that when they are in the manic phase.And some people are just naturally CHATTY!
506912
I told my friend I was bi without finishing my sentence.  He asked me.  Are you sure.  I said, " Two doctors told me."  My friend said, what the f@ck are you talking about?  I said, "My doctor told me I was I was bipolar, what the hell did you think I was talking about?", lol.
507539
I myself am bipolar. I have been in a relationship for 8 years now. My fiance has had to learn the hard way how to deal with my mood swings. He says u have to be very understanding,supportive,and willing to help in time of need. I have abused him in more ways than 1 since we been together,but he justs takes it the best way he can. There are groups that help people with bipolar and for those who love someone with bipolar. Learning all you can about bipolar will help out alot also.
119566
Those that are bipolar experience both manic and depressive moods that go through cycles with much "normalness" in between them.\nIt sounds like she was experiencing a severe manic episode when she was hearing voices and thinking that she was psychic.  The voices are auditory hallucinations and the feeling that she is psychic is a dillusion of grandure.  These are both symptoms of a manic episode.  Other symptoms of mania include euphoria (being in a really, really, good mood), irritability, grandiosity (thinking that you have special powers or that you "special"), feelings of heightened concentration, racing thoughts, increased energy, insomnia, erratic appetite, increased libido.  The grandiose delusions and the hallucinations are also symptoms of psychosis and occur when the mania is at its worste phase.  Manic depressives also go through a depressive stage which is basically the opposite of mania.  The mood stabilizers will help her when she finds one that is best for her but they don't start working over night and the patient needs to give them time to build up in their system.  Many manic depressives quit taking their medication because they are afraid that they will lose part of themselves, bur really they gain a lot by keeping what they have only being able to control it instead of letting it control them.  I am bipolar and have done some pretty extreme things in my manic episodes, including runnign away from home for a week when I was 17 and abusing many different drugs.  Bipolar disorder usually starts out as depression then evolves from there.  Some people only go into a manic or depressive phase a couple of times a year.  Others go through many througout the year "rabid cycling".  The best way to manage this is to stay on the medication.  Each time a manic or depressive episode occurs, it makes it easier to reoccur and comes back stronger the next time.  She should also avoid things that trigger her mania or depression.  Keeping a regular sleeping routine helps a lot.  Not getting enough sleep can trigger a manic episode and getting too much sleep can trigger depression.  Feel free to e-mail me if you have any more questions on this topic becuase it is something that I've had to deal with for years and have just recently learned how to control.
599968
Hey, check out these websites for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. I am bipolar and these are some good sites. Best of luck. I hope for you that it is something other than bipolar.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
1071785
For people with bipolar disorder, life can be an emotional roller coaster. It can have intense highs and crippling lows. But treatments are available to help control these extreme mood swings. Although there is no cure, with proper treatment, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can live normal lives. Maybe you need to start on some mediction and givin time they will come to realize you're normal again. I feel you're family isn't informend correctly they don't and can't know what you going through. Whatever you did in the past you couldn't control.\n\nI recomend you become part of a group here's a list:\n\nAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) \n120 Wall St., 22nd Floor \nNew York, NY 10005 \nPhone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or (212) 363-3500 \nFax: (212) 363-6237 \nE-mail: inquiry@afsp.org \nwww.afsp.org \n\nDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) \n730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501 \nChicago, IL 60610 \nPhone: (800) 826-3632 \nFax: (312) 642-7243 \nE-mail: questions@dbsalliance.org \nwww.dbsalliance.org \n\nNational Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) \nColonial Place Three \n2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 \nArlington, VA 22201 \nPhone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600 \nTDD: (703) 516-7227 \nFax: (703) 524-9094 \nwww.nami.org \n\nNational Mental Health Association (NMHA) \n2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor \nAlexandria, VA 22311 \nPhone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642) \nHours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (E.T.) \nTTY: (800) 433-5959 \nFax: (703) 684-5968 \nwww.nmha.org \n\nExercise\nExercise causes your body to release endorphins, which help you to feel calm and happy. Try to get moving regularly, even if you're feeling somewhat manic or depressed. When you're not feeling well, this could mean a short walk or a half-hour of gardening. Once your moods are under control, pick an activity you enjoy, like swimming or cycling, and exercise for 30 minutes three or four times a week.\n\nEat well\nIt's hard to feel balanced and optimistic if you're run down or undernourished. Be mindful of what you're eating, and try to work lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. A daily multivitamin may help you cover your nutritional bases.\n\nAvoid alcohol and drugs\nMany people with bipolar disorder try to find relief from their strong emotions by drinking alcohol or using drugs. Some even use these substances in place of their medication. This approach never helps, and can be dangerous. Drugs and alcohol tend to make mood episodes worse, and quitting medication almost guarantees relapse. If you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor about it. Substance abuse can be treated effectively.\n\nDevelop a daily routine\nResearch suggests that a regular routine and sleep schedule can help stave off manic and depressive episodes. Start by picking a reasonable bedtime and sticking with it. Then, create a daily routine for yourself that includes getting up at the same time every day, with fairly regular mealtimes and work hours.\n\nLearn to predict relapse\nMake a list of behaviors that usually signal the onset of mania or depression. For example, you may go without much sleep as a manic episode begins. Or, you might spend money on something you don't need. Talk to your doctor as soon as you spot these changes. He or she may be able to adjust your medication so that you can avoid a full-blown episode. \n\nAvoid stress\nYou can help keep your moods under control by avoiding stress. Take a stress-management class, or consider trying yoga or meditation. In the meantime, avoid unnecessary pressure by setting reasonable goals for yourself. For example, if you are in school, you might decide not to take a full schedule of classes.\n\nCreate a relapse action plan\nTalk to your family and friends about what you would like them to do if you relapse. For example, if you ever need to be hospitalized, you may feel most comfortable with a particular doctor. Or, you may w
1010245
Part of the problem with people with untreated bi-polar disorder is that the manic episodes are often so great feeling (lots of energy, creativity, etc.) that they don't WANT treatment. That's if they even recognize it as such. As not only the parent of a child with Bi polar Disorder, but also a patient with it, I understand that, yet I know that the crash that always follows is not worth it...to me.  \n\nWithout the person accepting their problem, regardless of what it is (mental health issue or otherwise), there's no way to get them to seek treatment. \n\nWhile it's good of you to be supportive, there comes a point where self-preservation for you must come first...at least until the person accepts the situations and takes action.  This is especially true if you suffer from depressive symptoms yourself.  I find when I'm around depressed people, my own depression worsens or kicks in. \n\nGood luck in coping with this. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
743454
A lot of people are ignorant to the realities of these types of illnesses. Some people are willing to be educated, some think they already know it all despite the fact that they actually know nothing about the issue. I've been living with bipolar (and other problems) for my entire life. Some people are supportive, some are infuriatingly misinformed. The fact is, bipolar disorder is a very real illness with significant symptoms that effects many aspects of a person's life. It is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it is an explanation. It can be very isolating and feel very lonely, but you are not alone.\n\nYou might want to look into online support groups. I happen to be the co-moderator of one on yahoogroups.com.  If you go there and do a search for bipolar support, you will find a lot of listings. I have found the support online to far exceed anything I've found offline. It really helps to reach out and connect with other people who really 'get it'. \n\nBipolar can not be cured (at least, not at this time), it is not going to go away. It requires understanding and the continued management of symptoms. Whatever you do, do not buy into what your friends are saying and the attitude they have about this.