Mental Illneses

Bipolar disorder (Manic depression)

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized mood swings. (Bipolar means two) and those who experience bipolar disorder are likely to have extreme ups and downs. The bursts of energy experienced during the "ups" often differ from the feelings and behavior usually experienced. The "up" time is known as mania. Along with the ups there also periods of feeling depressed ("downs").

Bipolar disorder also known as 'manic depression' is a mental illness that affects the person's mood and energy levels, it is an illness that causes sudden fast changes in people's mood and energy levels.

Like most other illnesses not all people have the same experiences of bipolar. The degree of mania can vary from person to person and sometimes the mania may occur without depression.

TRENDS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

When people are experiencing a depressed mood they often lose interest in day-to-day life and have little energy.

Elevated or euphoric mood - this may result in feelings of happiness and being full of energy. It is not uncommon to describe the feeling state as being on a high.

Changes in activity levels - There may be a change in the sleeping and eating patterns of those who are experiencing a manic episode.

Faster thinking and speaking patterns - Thoughts may be more rapid than usual, which may lead the person to speak faster and jump from subject to subject.

Measuring behavior - It may be difficult for those who are experiencing mania to decide what behavior is appropriate. It is not uncommon for them to realize that other people see their behavior as inappropriate but they themselves are not able to recognize this.

Causes of bipolar

Males and Females have an equal chance of developing bipolar disorder. It is believed that bipolar mood disorder is associated with a combination of factors including genetics, stress and even the seasons.

RISKS

There are few risks for Manic depression sufferers, they may try to commit suicide when on a 'low'. They may stuff up their body clock and keep waking up and not sleeping at the right times, and

Getting help for bipolar disorder

It is not uncommon for people who are experiencing bipolar to be able to successfully manage the illness. There are treatment options available for managing both mania and depression. It is a good idea to speak to your doctor about which options may be best for you.

Medication