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E-Quipped to...Getting Past Bipolar Disorder

This newsletter refers to ‘Understanding Bipolar Disorder’, a comprehensive article found on my website.

May is Bipolar Awareness month and so the perfect time to think about and become aware of this condition. Did you know that it used to be called manic-depressive disorder, or manic depression? Few people know that health professionals no longer use those terms.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Few people understand Bipolar disorder, but it is a type of mental illness characterized by episodes of an elevated or agitated mood known as mania that often alternates with episodes of depression.

An individual with bipolar disorder has serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking and behaviour, going from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. These shifts are more than just a fleeting good or bad mood and can last for days, weeks, or even months. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes are so intense that they impair the individual’s ability to function in ordinary life.

During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and be full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.

Myths and Facts about Bipolar Disorder

Sadly there are many misconceptions about bipolar disorder which only serve to perpetuate the stigma surrounding the disorder. Here are two common myths:

Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life.

Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, but with treatment, healthy coping skills and a solid support system, they can live fully while managing their symptoms.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression.

Fact: Some people alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms.

For more myths and facts read ‘Understanding Bipolar Disorder’ 

What Can I do if I have Bipolar Disorder?

If you spot the symptoms of bipolar depression in yourself or someone else, don’t wait to get help. By ignoring the problem it will almost certainly get worse but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a variety of problems in everything from career to relationships to health. If you like the way you feel when you’re manic, remember that the energy and euphoria come with a price. Mania and hypomania often turn destructive, hurting you and the people around you.

Please note that when seeking treatment for bipolar disorder it is essential to work with experienced psychiatrists and psychologists as diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored by a psychiatrist. In the same way experienced psychologists will be able to offer you the most effective therapy.

For more information on Bipolar Disorder read ‘Understanding Bipolar Disorder’

What do YOU Think?

Share your wisdom with others… What helpful tips do you have to help manage Bipolar Disorder?

Leave your comments here

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You may have been forwarded this email by a friend. In that case, allow me to introduce myself. I am a psychologist, speaker, trainer, coach and hat lover based in Durban, South Africa.

My goal is to inspire you to make the changes necessary to live the life of your dreams! I believe that by developing your YOU-Q - the term I have created to describe your unique intelligence, creativity and wisdom - you can find your Inner winner and live a Be-YOU-tiful life right now.

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