Treating Bipolar Disorder

by N.P.
(New Jersey)

When the word treatment is used, several people will think automatically of it as something to do with medicine and nothing more. When it comes to bipolar disorder (manic depression), treatment according to various sources consists of psychotherapy and medication. If the combination of them does not work well, in more serious cases sometimes the person with manic depression may require hospitalization or Electric Shock Therapy (ECT). Sometimes even if these combinations of treatment are uesed, the result still will not necessarily be the ultimate remedy.

A significant part of any treatment is the individual accepting they have a disease. Until acceptance is accomplished very little will help. Once this occurs, the actual treatment itself can begin. Acceptance is a critical step because it is not possible to treat an individual with a mental illness who is in denial. Nobody can change anyone but themselves.

Support is the next essential part of treatment. Most would think that family and friends would be there to support them in this tremendous journey ahead. Unfortunately not everyone have these supports at hand and those whom do may still find they do not get support. When an individual is diagnosed with a mental illness, it affects the entire family. In these situations the person with manic depression may turn to a group for support.

A well known group is called The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance more commonly referred to as D. B. S. A. These groups are nation wide. I feel one of the most important parts of this group is that the individual finds out that they are not alone and the others in the group "get it." I have found that my group really supports each other and has become a tight knit family. Of course there are some discrepancies but all families have ups and downs. Members contribute information from their own experiences so there is a lot an individual can learn even just by listening.

Education about manic depression is also very important as part of treatment. There is always something to learn from a news article, a group, the internet or even a book. The more information acquired the better and easier their illness will be to treat it. It cannot be said enough that you are your own expert on your illness. You know yourself best.

About once a month, many D. B. S. A. groups hold a lecture in regard to depression, manic depression, grief etc. The speaker is usually a psychiatrist, psychologist or someone else in the mental health field that bears a wealth of knowledge on the topic of the night. Gaining insight about your own diagnosis plays a large part of the treatment one receives from the psychiatrist and psychologist, social worker, and so on.

Finding a psychiatrist and psychologist is another part of treatment. It is essential that the person connects with the professional the choose. If there is no connection, then no trust can be formed. It will be very difficult for the client to open up and say exactly what they are thinking. The client should feel comfortable enough to ask the psychologist or psychiatrist questions and even challenge them in what they say. Trust really is the root of a close relationship with anyone. It is a give and take relationship which requires collaboration and commitment to the treatment at hand from both parties.

There are numerous other tools that someone with a mental illness can utilize. Exercise is very beneficial for anyone. It causes a natural endorphin rush. Eating healthy and in proper proportions also helps. Socializing or simply getting out of your home is beneficial too. Being compliant with medication and sticking with a consistent sleep schedule can really make a change for some people with a mental illness.

Others find it helpful to stay busy by holding a job, volunteering or taking a class. Proper self care plays a role in treatment as well. These are only a few techniques people with a mental illness or manic depression can use as part of their treatment.

Not one person is the same as another. So finding the proper treatment that works for somebody with a mental illness is essential. Treatment is not simply talking to a psychologist and taking medications prescribed by a doctor. It is much more then that. Treatment is a full time job for the individual with a mental illness. It is a day to day task to maintain ones self which is not always an easy task. Hard work is required to stay well but the benefits are life long!