Bipolar Manic Depression
More than a mood swing, bipolar manic
depression can be devastating to the person it affects
and his or her loved ones; bipolar manic depression
is best described as a mental health illness of the
brain that creates unusual changes in a person's mood,
energy, and ability to function in everyday life. Bipolar
manic depression is different from normal ups and downs
associated with dealing with everyday normal life circumstances
in that bipolar manic depression is severe, affecting
work, relationships, school, and can cause suicide.
More than 2 million adult Americans suffer from bipolar
manic depression. People who have bipolar manic depression
normally begin showing symptoms in adolescence or early
adulthood.
A person with bipolar manic depression,
swings from high periods of elation to deeply saddened
periods of hopelessness and back again, often showing
periods of normalcy between. A person suffering from
bipolar disorder is not only affected by mood changes,
but also changes in energy levels and behaviors. These
periods are called episodes, and some symptoms of manic
episodes (the high periods) include:
·
Increased activity, energy, or restlessness
· Overly
good, elated mood; euphoria
· Irritability
· Racing
thoughts and rapid, increased speech, jumping from topic
to topic
· Inability
to concentrate
· Decreased
need for sleep
· Feelings
of unrealistic grandiose
· Poor judgment
involving risk factors like spending, sex, and substance
abuse
· Inappropriate
social behavior
A person who suffers from bipolar
disorder may then follow the manic episode with a major
depressive episode, where they may feel extremely sad,
hollow, or hopeless. Symptoms of a major depressive
episode may include:
·
Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, empty, or pessimistic
· Feeling
guilty, worthless, or powerless
· Loss of
pleasure or interest in hobbies or enjoyable activities
· Fatigue;
lack of energy
· Increased
need for sleep
· Change
in appetite or weight
· Inability
to concentrate
· Suicidal
thoughts or attempts
Episodes of illness tend to appear
acutely, with symptoms developing over a period of days
or maybe weeks. Before treatment was available, symptoms
lasted six months to a year. With treatment, symptoms
can be drastically shortened and reduced. Many people
suffering from bipolar manic depression try to create
their own treatment, by self-medicating with drugs and
alcohol. This can be devastating or even fatal, as alcohol
and drug self-medication only will make the bipolar
manic depression more severe and may even eliminate
the periods of "normalcy" experienced by forcing
swings from mania to depression.
When alcohol and or drug abuse is
experienced, especially combined with a mental illness
such as bipolar manic depression, immediate treatment
is crucial, and is urged. At Spencer Recovery Centers, clients
receive more than just the treatment that a detox center
provides. Spencer Recovery Centers understands that in this
case, successful recovery from substance abuse requires
successful treatment of manic depression. A combination
of group therapy, individual counseling, and medication
is utilized to ensure successful of a client based on
their unique needs.
Located in beautiful, sunny St. Pete
Beach, FL, and Laguna Beach, CA, Spencer Recovery Centers
provides a serene, relaxing environment so that a client
can focus on their treatment and recovery. If you or
someone you love is suffering from substance abuse and
bipolar manic depression, please contact Spencer Recovery
Centers today for more information on treatment options
and programs. Call Today 800.399.3612
|
Get
Help
800.399.3612
|
