Now that you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, what is the next step? Well, by now, you should have been told the importance of the medication prescribed and why you must use it as well as visit your health care professional regularly. But it would be of much help for you to understand what the disorder is all about as that knowledge will enable you cope and manage your life effectively.
You should understand that what you know about bipolar disorder will help you; your relationships and your doctor ensure a stable and comfortable life for you. Lest to say, the more you know, the more you will be able to handle the complications associated with bipolar disorder, and the truth is: life with it can be very complex. It can totally devastate your life if you are afflicted with it.
Your relationships will definitely be affected as friends and loved ones will have to come to terms with your condition. You might not be able to control the highs and lows, but they can be managed; and you will be pleased to know that life doesn't have to be so difficult for you, your friends, and loved ones.
The first step to managing bipolar disorder is to accept that you have it, and try to live your life around it. The stigma that is associated with mental disorders isn't as high as it used to be; more and more people are speaking about having one form of disorder or the other. You certainly are not alone - but must come to a point where you stop your denials of your state, remove the doubts, and submit yourself to treatment.
You should have an understanding of words like manic episodes, hypomanic episodes, cyclothymanic disorder, rapid - cycling bipolar disorder, all related to this condition. They may all sound strange and unfamiliar; no one will go about telling people: "I don't feel well today, I think I am having a cyclothymanic episode." would they? Whatever knowledge you gain about bipolar disorder will ultimately help you regain control of your life.
Bipolar disorder normally comes in cycles - and by now you may have a little sense of the pattern your cycles follow. Patterns in some cases follow a hypomanic episode - manic episode - depressive episode, moving on to a normal mood state. Someone having an hypomanic episode usually doesn't seek treatment because this is a state of good feeling (high), but unfortunately, it doesn't last as depression often follows. This is characteristic of bipolar I disorder
Bipolar II disorder, on the other hand, doesn't normally result in mania. In this condition the depression can last for a long time, sometimes months.
Recovery from depression is up to the person: you simply must desire to recover. Bipolar disorder has the highest successful suicide rate and attempted suicide rate amongst mental disorders.
Someone going through successive moods of highs and lows can find this disturbing and a strain on his or her psychological fitness.
However, it can be managed and managed well. The greatest help will come from taking the medication as prescribed. If you forget your medication, it might help to set a timer or reminder on your computer.
Keep side effects at bay by talking to your doctor. Ask about ways to control side effects as the medication can make you sleepy or jittery. Most people with bipolar disorder need extra sleep - 8 to 10 or even 12 hours a day.
You can live a successful life even with bipolar disorder; you can regain control. It's in your hands.
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