Bipolar Symptoms

Treatment for Bipolar

Bipolar is a disorder that can have a great affect on the individual and their life and family. one common definition of bipolar states that a person with bipolar disorder experiences states of extreme “up’s” followed by periods of deep depression. Previously bipolar was referred to as “Manic Depression”. A state of high, or mania, followed by the low, or depression.

Bipolar os far reaching as it affects not only the persons feelings but also their thoughts, behavior and perceptions.
Some experets believe bipolar is caused by a dysfunction of chemical and electrical elements in the brain, others believe it to have a genetical factor making those of a family history of bipolar or other mental illnesses more prone to bipolar.

There are many prescription medications given for bipolar. Not all are comfortable taking these drugs and are interested in pursuing alternative, or natural therapies instead of pharmaceuticals. (Changing anything in your prescribed regimen should be done with your clinician only)

Omega 3.
There are a number of researches showing that omega 3 found in fish oils and in certain fishes are excellent for bipolar patients and other mental illnesses. There was a significant research done in 30 bipolar patients for four months. It was a placebo-controlled and double-blind study. It aims to compare omega 3’s efficacy versus olive oil or placebo for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a neuropsychiatic illness with a high mortality and morbidity. In the preliminary study, it was proven that omega 3 performed better and resulted to longer remissions based on the four scales of symptom-severity. Further studies are still underway.

Herbs

Some resolve to the use of herbal supplements instead of taking prescription drugs. But not all herbs are good for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Herbs are powerful and just because they are natural does not mean they do not have negative effects. Some herbs can actually worsen the symptoms of bipolar, and some can worsen bipolar symptoms when taken in conjunction with a pharmaceutical. Consult your doctor first before taking any herbal medication in conjunction with other drugs.

Nutrition and Your Diet

What you eat has a great effect on your mental status. Cutting out items containing sugar, corn, wheat, carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and caffeine just to mention a few, can go a long way in helping to stabilize your mood.

Pastoral Counseling

If you’re suffering from bipolar disorder, you can also seek help from your pastor, priest, or rabbi. The spiritual community may be of great help during these times. In fact, allopathic medicine is now recognizing the role of spirituality and prayers.

Art and Movement
Through the arts, you can express freely your feelings and do so without inhibitions. You can enroll in a drawing class, sculpting, painting, and many others. Many therapists combine art and therapy.

Moving the body produces the “feeling good hormones” such and endorphins. So enroll in a dance therapy. Let your feet tap away and your spirit soar while incorporating your physical, cognitive, and emotional facets to the dance.

Soothing music have an effect on the brain waves and can make a person relax. Enroll in sound or music therapy could be not only beneficial but fun as well. Your body chemicals can be stimulated to improve blood pressure and flow, breathing, pulse rate, and changes in posture.

Do make sure that any therapies you choose are OK’d by your therapist or doctor.

Bipolar teens can be unpredictable and volatile to deal with. It is estimated that 7% of victims of bipolar disorder are teenagers. Bipolar teens are typically afflicted in their late teens, although diagnosis has occurred in children as young as 6.

In many cases bipolar teens are mistakenly thought to be suffering from ADHD, due to extreme mood swings being common in both disorders. If you think your teen may be suffering from bipolar disorder you should take them to a doctor immediately.

Some things to look for when trying to assess your teens mental state, are things like increased energy, and lack of sleep for extended periods of time. A lack of focus and concentration, as well as physical agitation. Hyper sexuality is also common among bipolar teens.

During a depressed phase some things you might notice in your teen are loss of energy, over sleeping, moping or persistent sadness, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Bipolar teens are typically stuck with the disorder for life, as there is no permanent cure. However with family support, proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as a healthy lifestyle, it is very possible to live a long and happy life.

Some things to keep in mind with bipolar teens is that it is important to create a routine that your whole family sticks to and follows, and keep updated regularly by their teachers and anyone else who is a frequent part of their daily life. Always monitor medications closely and be sure to inform your doctor of any adverse side affects. The problem with some depression medications is that they have been known to trigger suicidal thoughts much more easily in teens than in adults. So alway take threats of suicide seriously, and consider therapy for the whole family.

Bipolar teens can be tough to handle sometimes, so if you can catch bipolar disorder early, then you can be well on your way to proper treatment and relief for your beloved teen. Life was meant to be enjoyed by our children, not fraught with depression and fear.