Treating Bipolar Disorder
There are a lot of different treatments available for bipolar disorder. Odds are, an individual’s treatment plan is going to involve several approaches at once. There are a variety of mood stabilizers available. Some of them are used more for depression, some more for manic episodes, and some for maintenance in general. A good doctor will closely monitor and adjust medications to manage episodes and to watch for side effects. During a manic phase, antipsychotics might be prescribed, as well.
It’s not just about medication, though. The person’s family should be educated on what to expect, how to cope, and how to help. Having a supportive family is an enormous benefit to people with serious mental illnesses, and can help reduce the severity. The person will likely receive counseling to be aware of oncoming episodes and prepare for them. They’ll also be counseled on lifestyle changes they can make to mitigate the symptoms. Getting enough sleep can help reduce episodes. And being self-aware enough to recognize an oncoming episode can help doctors rein it in with medication before it gets too bad. With help, you can learn how to do that. Reducing stress can also help, but of course that easier said than done. But a good counselor will help you find specific, measurable ways to do so. Finally, In a few cases, doctors sometimes try electroconvulsive therapy. It has actually been shown to help people at the extreme ends of bipolar episodes. But due to the severity of the treatment and its side effects, it’s an absolute last resort.
Did you know...
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!