How to Treat Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness also known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder comes in two different distinctions such as Bipolar I, which are extreme highs and lows of mood swings or levels. The individual can feel a huge excitement high of pure joy and happiness to a low depression point of sadness, and at times suicidal thoughts. These mood swings are sharp and sudden at the same time.

For Bipolar II disorder sufferers battle with hypomania experience unhealthy erratic behavior which includes spending money they do not have, participating in high risk financial investments. Overall those with Bipolar disorder cycle through highs and lows on a regular basis. To Treat this illness there are natural homeopathic therapies along with prescription medications.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Try prescription medications. These medications will help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of Bipolar disorder however keep in mind that many of these prescription medications have side effects. Some of these medications may include Lithium, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and anti-psychotics. Many patients take these medications for years or even decades in order to stay healthy as a form of maintenance therapy to keep Bipolar disorder in check.

2. Look into Electroconvulsive Therapy also known as ECT which is used for patients who suffer with severe levels of manic or depressed states. ECT is a fast acting therapy which helps to reduce the symptoms of Bipolar disorder.

3. Checking out Light therapy is another Bipolar disorder treatment which helps patients who also have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which mainly occurs during the winter seasons. This therapy consists of the patient sitting in front of a full spectrum light for at least 20-30 minutes per day.

4. Eat a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet will help the body in many ways such as reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Eating a combination of nutrient based foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, cold water fish, soy products, seeds and nuts.

5. Take fish oil supplements which can help with boosting mood levels for those who have bipolar disorder. The fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the body helping to produce hormones and nerve tissue. The supplement must have DHA and EPA as it shows to have good effects on improving and stabilizing mood levels. DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid and EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid.

6. Exercise regularly to help not only the physical well-being but the mental well-being too. Fitness helps the body to maintain a healthy weight which lowers the risk of obesity and other dangerous risks. There have been researched data that found those who have bipolar disorder also have a big risk of obesity. Discussing healthy options with your physician will help to prevent obesity, diabetes and other illnesses.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek the advice of a physician before changing or taking on any health treatments.

Resources

• An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
• Madness: A Bipolar Life

[nicoleleon]

on 5/18/2009 Hm I don't know about common as I hear more bad things and assumptions about the illness especially within the general population. The illness also goes by the clinical name of manic depression as I noted in my article. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. It's not an easy illness for the person or friends and family of the sufferer. It depends on the individual with going off medication and they should always consult with a physician before doing that.

[showpup]

on 5/18/2009 Lots of great info here. Seems a common diagnosis lately. I wonder why? I was friends with a super nice man who had bipolar II. Going off meds was never a good idea!