Posts Tagged ‘Support Group’

The Initial Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder: Spot Them Early

Many bipolar sufferers are unaware that their condition exists. The initial symptoms of bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, start to manifest during adolescence and can be triggered at any time.

Fortunately this disorder, thought to be a chemical brain imbalance, can be treated very successfully. The main concern is to spot the initial symptoms of bipolar early, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment started.

If someone in your circle of family and friends has bipolar disorder, then you would already know the effect it has on their daily lives. Contrary to popular belief, individuals suffering with bipolar disorder are not always depressed and morose. The very nature of bipolar means that wild mood swings occur moving from high to low in a short space of time. These mood swings can be quite difficult to distinguish.

The illness is highly likely to recur frequently, affecting a person for their entire lifetime. The best long-term treatment is achieved by fostering and maintaining a strong support group. This of course is totally dependent on being able to spot the initial symptoms of bipolar disorder in the first place.

HOW TO SPOT DEPRESSION

Correctly identifying depression is a tricky exercise, and can baffle even the most experienced professional. One obvious sign of depression is a sad or anxious mood manifesting over an extended period. Another can be lack of motivation or desire to participate in activities which would normally be enjoyed by the person, for example hobbies, sex or social activities.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A MANIC EPISODE

The most noticeable behavior is a euphoric mood and increased level of energy. These characteristics are quite evident and easily noticed. Other signs include over generosity, spending sprees, hypersexuality (increased sex drive), loss of concentration, and grandiose feelings of invincibility.

SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS

In serious cases of bipolar disorder, the associated extreme mood swings can progress into psychosis symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations. While others can recognize psychosis quite easily, the patient is often unaware of them.

MIXED BIPOLAR STATES

Sometimes a mixed state of a bipolar disorder occurs, where the sufferer simultaneously experiences depression and mania. Symptoms often include sleep deficiency, appetite changes and agitation. Patients with mixed bipolar states can be extremely depressed but still possess high energy levels.

IDENTIFYING MORBID THOUGHTS

One of the most feared bipolar symptoms for the loved ones supporting a bipolar sufferer is the appearance of potentially morbid thoughts. Any suspicion that a patient is thinking morbidly and contemplating suicide should be acted upon immediately. In such cases a 911 emergency call should be made as a standard preventative measure. Better to be on the safe side than suffer a tragic suicide.

If the true nature of a person’s condition is to be revealed, recognizing the initial symptoms of bipolar is vitally important. Improper diagnosis can lead to a prolonged lifetime of suffering. All too often a patient seeks medical advice when suffering from depression, but they do not think it important to disclose their manic episodes. This is mainly because they feel good, and connect their manic periods with happiness and a normal state.

Research and study has now heightened awareness of this condition. More and more people are becoming educated and can recognize the initial symptoms of bipolar disorder. Information and guidance is now readily available through quality resources on reputable websites and from local mental health clinics.

How lucky we are to live in an age where the debilitating nature of such a condition can be halted by identifying the initial symptoms of bipolar early, allowing patients and their loved ones to lead normal, productive and healthy lives.

Bipolar Chat Room: Benefits And Disadvantages Of Joining

A bipolar chat room is primarily created as an extended support group for people suffering from or diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Moderators in this group are usually volunteers. Majority of them are either former bipolar patients or individuals that are undergoing bipolar treatments and medications.

Other things you can expect to find in a bipolar chat room are schedules of moderated chats and topics related to manic depression issues. However, some chat rooms go beyond online meet ups and set physical meet ups in coffee shops in their respective areas.

Potential Benefits

The intention of a bipolar chat room is always to accommodate those bipolar people who are in need of additional help, with the hope the process will eventually lead to effective treatment. The benefits that you can get from the chat room are as follows:

* You have the opportunity to meet other people who are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At this point, you will have a chance to share your experiences with them as they are expected to do the same. The sharing should help a bipolar patient cope with the problem because you are expected to understand the symptoms better from another bipolar patient’s perspective.

* People will have the chance to ask questions and answer some as well. This is a given since a bipolar chat room is designed for the purpose of open discussions. However, not all questions are answered and not all discussions are being moderated.

* There is the assumption that you can make friends that have a better understanding of your situation. Since you all speak in bipolar lingo, it follows that discussions are aligned in that direction. This exchange of thoughts and emotions become a new outlet of hope among bipolar disorder people.

* The bipolar chat room supports this community 24 hours a day. Again this is a given since discussions are conducted through the internet. Some chat rooms even have moderators scheduled at certain times of the day or week. This is to help facilitate certain topics that may have sensitive bipolar issues.

Possible Disadvantages

The problem comes when users abuse the bipolar chat room, using it as an alternative avenue for mischief and pranks. This can be expected considering that the majority of the chatters are bipolar patients themselves. Mood swings can apparently be felt in this virtual room. Here are the disadvantages:

* Most of these chat rooms are supported by volunteers only. Since there may be no medical professionals, nobody can lead the discussions.

* There is great difficulty in staying on the topic. Serious and sensitive issues are expected. Topics like suicide and other deep depressive subjects make it impossible to keep a safe online atmosphere.

Remember that mood swings are strong in this group. If managing one bipolar patient is difficult, just imagine how that challenge is multiplied in a bipolar chat room, where the majority of participants are bipolar-diagnosed. Some chat rooms have closed due to this type of problem.

Making The Decision

Weigh the possible benefits as explained above against the potential disadvantages before making your decision. Better yet, discuss this with trusted friends and family members and even more importantly, talk to your health care provider.

Can You Really End Panic Attacks for Good?

Many people who get panic attacks feel like their life is basically over. They feel out of control and possibly even like they are dying. If that is how you feel, you might seriously doubt there is any way you can end these panic attacks. Fortunately, if you have the right methods, you CAN eliminate the panic and live your life again. Put your doubt aside right now, and grasp onto this hope

The first thing you need to do is take stock of your symptoms. People suffer from different symptoms, and your treatment plan might differ depending on the ones who you are dealing with. If you are seeking the advice of a doctor, you should tell your doctor what symptoms you are experiencing so they can help you end your panic attacks.

After you have evaluated your symptoms, you need to do some research. Research what works for other people by joining forums that discuss panic attacks. You definitely don’t want to focus on negative threads — focus on positive threads where people have found their answer. There are tons of people who have successfully banished their panic for good and it can be motivating for you to read their stories.

It’s also a good idea to read books and e-books written by people who have been in your situation. There are many great techniques out there that have worked for thousands of people. By reading about these methods, you can further perfect your own personalized plan to end your panic attacks. Some of these techniques are even downloadable, which is important when you need this information as soon as possible.

Another thing you might want to do is join a support group. Knowing that there are other people going through the same thing can actually help you get through it all. You feel like you’re not alone and that you’re not going crazy — this is a true disorder that you can end with some effort.

At this point, you probably have a good grasp on what your symptoms are as well as different methods you can try to eliminate your panic attacks. Not all the methods will work for you, so you need to read through them and find the ones that will! After you’ve done that, it’s time to create a plan for getting rid of your panic attacks. Take note of what you can do in the short term as well as the long-term so you can start to feel better.

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