How to Treat Manic Depression

Unless you suffer from manic-depression, there is really no way to understand the swings between suicidal depression and the frantic highs that are the hallmarks of this disorder. Many bipolars manifest self-destructive behavior-even commit suicide-as a sign of their self-hatred. It is of vital importance to recognize and treat the symptoms so the sufferers can lead a functional and productive life.

Things You'll Need

• Diagnosis
• Medication
• Psychotherapy (in some cases)
• A support group

Instructions

1. Get a referral to a psychiatrist from your doctor. If you have been receiving treatment for manic depression or other psychological disorders and the treatment does not seem to be helping, you should ask your doctor for a referral if he or she has not suggested this.

2. Make an appointment with your psychiatrist. If you are diagnosed as being bipolar, your psychiatrist will decide on a course of treatment.

3. Take the medication as prescribed. Often bipolars resist taking medication because they either do not think there is something wrong, or they enjoy the "high" phase of the manic depression and don't want to lose that feeling. There are various medications prescribed for this disorder, the most prevalent being lithium. Mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics and anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed in various combinations, depending on the severity of the case.

4. See a therapist. Although less than half of those diagnosed as bipolar find it helpful, there are those who benefit from psychotherapy. If you find it is useful, continue this form of treatment along with your medication.

5. Inform your family that there are support groups for family members of bipolars. It can be quite difficult to live with someone suffering from this psychological disorder, and a support group can help your family understand and cope with it.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a very serious illness and should be treated as such.

• Ignore the compulsion to believe that you are a bad person. This is the disease talking. It is a very common trait for sufferers to blame themselves for the emotional and psychological effects of this disorder. See your psychiatrist on a regular basis to ensure that your treatment is working for you.