- Image by L.G.Mills via Flickr
Television shows are suddenly very interested in people with Bipolar disorder with an emphasis on the inability of such people to function in the world or as serial rapists or crazed killers. How can people who have the disorder protect themselves from being labeled as criminally, mentally ill? The answer is to arm themselves with information and share it where appropriate.
It is true that people with Bipolar mood disorder have continual changes in thought, energy, mood, sleep and activity particularly before they are on the proper medications. But in spite of shifting states most people, even those who do not have their disorder under control with medication, are not usually going to commit murder or be serial rapists.
Here is some of that good information:
- Those who take their medications have a very good prognosis. There are a number of drug and therapy techniques used to treat people with Bipolar disorder. Often it takes a combination in order to be effective.
- Bipolar mood disorder medications include mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressants, Lamictal and otheranticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotics (hence the misinformation) like Seroquel and even Omega 3. Antipsychotics act one way with psychotics and a different way with people with Bipolar disorder.
- Because medicine can cause a reduction in symptoms or complete remission, it is important that the person with Bipolar disorder understand that he or she must continue taking the medications or there will be a relapse. While it is up to the individual to make the decision, there definitely will be a relapse without the medication. Many people can live full and satisfying lives despite the disorder, a fact that television seems to forget.
- Some things within the control of the person can help or hurt the results, such as taking the medicine as directed, understanding the disorder, having a good relationship with medical personnel and good health practices, including exercise, nutrition and a regulated stress level.
- Other factors that keep the person well include noticing small changes in one’s energy, mood, sleep and eating behaviors, as well as having a plan worked out with the doctor on how to manage these small changes before they become big ones. A person can keep a mood log to chart any changes that need to be discussed with the physician.
- Another way is to enlist the help of a close friend or family member. This person can help detect mood changes or changes in activities or behaviors that can trigger a manic episode.
With the sudden interest in Bipolar disorder on television and its emphasis on the inability of people with bipolar disorder to function in the world, people who have this disorder must learn all they can about their problem. Places where information can be found include self-help books, articles on the internet and information from their health professional. Armed with information they can prevent others from misunderstandings.
Related articles
- Bipolar disorder – All Information (umm.edu)
- Natural Treatments for Bipolar Disorder (brighthub.com)
Tagged Under : Bipolar disorder, Bipolar mood disorder, Disorders, Health, Mania, Mental health, Mood, Mood stabilizer, Mood swing
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