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Treatment for bipolar disorder
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With support, you can help control bipolar disorder. Consider these tips from the National Institute of Mental Health:
- Talk with your doctor about treatment.
- Don’t stop taking your medicine unless directed by your doctor.
- Keep a routine for eating and sleeping.
- Always get enough sleep.
- Learn to recognize your mood swings.
- Develop a close support group of those who are knowledgeable about bipolar disorder.
- Ask friends or relatives to help you stick with your treatment plan.
- Be patient. Allow yourself time for gradual improvement.
It’s very important for family members and concerned caregivers to have education and support. To find it, visit the website of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at www.dbsalliance.org.
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 Living with bipolar disorder
We all have days where we feel up and days where we feel down. That’s normal. But, for people with bipolar disorder — a form of mental illness — those ups and downs can be severe.
Nearly 6 million Americans have the condition, which can cause variations in mood and energy and inability to function in daily life. The illness can cause people to sometimes feel very energized and happy — called mania. At other times, they may feel very sad — called depression.
Often, the condition can go unrecognized for years. That’s because symptoms can mimic those of other health conditions or issues, such as substance abuse. But, when the disorder is diagnosed and treated, people with the illness can lead healthy, productive lives.
Up to 90 percent of people who have bipolar disorder have relatives with some form of depression. It’s thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It’s also possible that stressful life events may trigger the illness in those who have a tendency to develop it.
Symptoms: Going up and coming down
The ups or downs of mood episodes can go on for one to two weeks or more. And, symptoms may last all day, every day.
Episodes can be broken into two categories — mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder may experience them separately or at the same time.
Mania often is thought of as a feeling of excitement and great happiness. And, for some people it is. But, mania also can be expressed as sudden or extreme irritability and rage.
Other symptoms of mania can include:
- Feeling invincible or having a warped sense of one’s abilities that makes it seem possible to accomplish any task, however unrealistic
- Very risky behaviors, such as dangerous driving, making reckless investments or engaging in out-of-character sexual activities
- Making risky business or family decisions that may have long-term effects
- Not being able to relax or trying to accomplish too many tasks
- Uncontrollable, racing thoughts or speaking faster than usual
- Decreased need for sleep or food
- Beliefs that one has a special relationship with God, political leaders or celebrities
Depression is the “down” to mania’s “up.” During these episodes, people with bipolar disorder may feel empty or intensely sad.
Other symptoms of depression can include:
- Feelings of despair
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Sleeping too much or not at all
- Increased appetite or unintended weight loss
- Trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Call 911 for immediate help if someone talks about or threatens suicide.
Help is available
If you recognize symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself or someone else, talk with your doctor. There is no shame in seeking help for a mental illness — it’s a medical condition. Treatment for most people includes medication.
Talk therapy with a mental health professional and support from family and friends can help, too. Bipolar disorder can’t be cured, but with ongoing treatment, it can be managed.
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Learn more about bipolar disorder
To get more information about bipolar disorder, visit myuhc.com. Click on “Health & Wellness.” Then, type “bipolar disorder” into the search box.
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