Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic-depression, is a mental disorder about extreme mood swings. One moment the individual is extremely happy, and the next moment they are depressed, angry, or sad. People with bipolar disorder experience such variances that it makes everyday events like holding a job or maintaining a relationship very difficult.

Signs of Bipolar Disorder

During the manic times, the person may appear to be overly excited, happy, and optimistic. They could also exhibit symptoms of agitation, restlessness, speaking too fast, and racing thoughts. It may appear as though they are on cocaine or had too much caffeine. The individual who is bipolar will be overly confident, take dangerous risks, and have extremely high self esteem. They also exhibit signs of ADHD like difficulty focusing, sitting still, and are easily distracted.

During the depressive times, the individual is fraught with feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness. They may have difficulty sleeping and have little or no appetite. They become irritable and may complain of constant unexplained pain. To a close loved one, watching someone go through the depressive phase of bipolar disorder is the most difficult. Bipolar patients experience fatigue, lose interest in everyday life, and even have thoughts about suicide.

Many people with bipolar disorder turn to drugs or alcohol to medicate these dramatic swings. And, while alcohol can lessen the symptoms of the manic phase, it creates a doubly unpredictable and dangerous way to try and alleviate the extremes. Prescription drugs have been used to lessen the severity of both extremes to prevent unhealthy risk taking and thoughts of suicide, but let’s look at the ways in which we can deal with bipolar disorder in a natural way.

Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Psychotherapy

People with bipolar disorder have found that psychotherapy is helpful in identifying the triggers that lead to the episodic swings in mood. If patient’s can tell what triggers their episodes, they can avoid them or learn how to deal with them. While therapy is helpful it does not cure the disorder. It is simply a way to learn how to cope with the condition.

Education for family and friends is also important in helping to create an atmosphere that works for people with bipolar disorder. Understanding and compassion can go a long way in helping a patient deal with the manic or depressive phases.

Avoid Stimulants

Besides therapy, there are small things a bipolar individual can do to lessen the likelihood of swings in mood. Avoiding stimulants like drugs, caffeine, and even sugar can help moderate the condition. Anything that causes a spike in insulin can create a reaction for manic-depressive people.

Bipolar disorder is one that has no known cause, and no cure. It can be a frightening condition, especially if family and friends aren’t aware of what is going on. From the outside it appears chaotic and crazy. Patients have learned how to deal with bipolar while maintaining important relationships and carrying on day to day activities. Although it may feel there is no way out at times, bipolar disorder can be treated and moderated.