You may ask yourself, How can i help my loved one who has bipolar disorder, or symptoms of severe depression?

1.Take threats of suicide or any mention of it seriously. Do not assume this person is just trying to get attention.
2.Encourage he

You may also ask yourself, how can I help someone I care about during a manic episode?

Remember a manic episode may cause a person to believe things that are not true. Make big plans or life altering

The Author of this article is Romain Levesque Owner of http://www.bipolar.findurfuture.com If you would like to republish this article, make sure the resource box and link stay intact. Thank You.

Bipolar disorder, which is formerly called manic-depression, is a diagnosed psychiatric disorder that causes abnormal shifts in a person’s everyday mood, liveliness, and capability to perform. The person experiencing such illness may feel very much ecstatic, then extremely bad-tempered an hour after and then back again to feeling overly ecstatic with a short span of normal mood

World renowned painter, Vincent Van Gogh, who s Bipolar Disorder mysteriously made him even more creative; Hollywood actor/comedian, Ben Stiller, who was open to the public about his psychiatric condition; Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose Bipolar Disorder led him to a cocaine addiction and

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by a series of highs and lows in one s mood. These highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression. Try to check if the following statements describe your day to day mental state to aid

Indications of manic episodes

I m a very talkative person and I can utter a lot of words in a single minute.
I am an extremely energetic person.
I m a compulsive shopper.
I don t like to sleep.
Family and friends have been telling me that I ve been acting strange lately. I m becoming a war freak, a loud talker and a very angry person.
I feel sluggish most of the time.
I want to have sex all the time.
I can t concentrate on something for a long period

Indications of depression episodes

I don t get pleasure doing the things that I ve always loved to do.
I have trouble sleeping at night.
Whenever food is served on the table, I don t feel like eating.
I have many aches and pains from the past that just won t go away.
I lack energy when it comes to having sex.
I lack focus.
I m a very absentminded person.
Most of the time, I feel like eating something.

Indications of Bipolar Disorder

The highs and lows in my mood alternately repeat as the day progresses.
My mood

If most or all of these statements best describes your everyday mood in the duration of one week or more, a checkup with your psychologist might be a good idea since there s a big probability that you might be suffering a Bipolar Disorder. Besides, early detection and consistent treatment is the best way to win the battle against this lifelong illness.

Are you or a loved one suffering from Bipolar Disorder? Visit http://bipolar-symptom.info to learn more about the different symptoms of bipolar disorder.

People who don’t drink may not necessarily start abusing alcohol, although it could happen. Those who already do drink, may drink more, since they probably think it helps.

The problem is, it probably does help, which is why they feel compelled to use alcohol, but it’s the wrong way of dealing with agoraphobia. Try never to get into this habit.

Alcohol’s Effect Is Temporary

Those who don’t drink won’t understand, but those who do, (and even if you don’t have agoraphobia and are reading this), will know that alcohol has a way of giving you

After a drink or two, people get a little louder, funnier, feel more open, honest and confident. A guy with low confidence suddenly has the courage to talk to a girl, maybe ask her out.

An agoraphobic person may use alcohol for the relaxation, carefree attitude and confidence it gives them. Expressed in another way, they may have an “I don’t give a shit” attitude.

They may then decide to go out on their own, perhaps further then they are accustomed to, because with the alcohol’s effect, they feel braver and couldn’t give a damn.

The alcohol’s effect could last for about an hour. They may decide to do this form of therapy and quickly come back before the

The agoraphobia and alcohol cycle continues. Alcohol brings a quick effect as well as a quick result. But now, they depend on it. They may be thought of as an alcoholic, even though they are not.

Now they have 2 problems. You can’t always rely on alcohol, especially if you go for a job interview or to the grocery store at 8am smelling of booze. Yet, it’s hard to do it any other way for them.

Use Better, Healthier, Longer-Lasting Solutions

There are effective treatments for agoraphobia. Alcohol temporarily masks it. Please don’t use alcohol. You have many other options. Cognitive behavioral therapy along with medication is very

Hypnosis, herbal remedies, programs like The Linden Method or Panic Away, exposure therapy - these are all methods you can try, rather than alcohol. It may be very difficult to break the alcohol habit. Stick with products and programs that work.

As you can see, you have many choices, some better than others, but these are options that will be more helpful. If you have agoraphobia and alcohol is your way of dealing with it, consider better, longer-lasting benefits. Try not to drink because you have to. http://www.panic-and-agoraphobia.com/agoraphobia-and-alcohol.html

When a person with manic-depression disorder is high or manic, it is not surprising that he won’t feel the need for a test. Therefore, only the depressive tendencies are diagnosed most often. The result is an inaccurate diagnosis of the patient, concluding the symptoms as depression only when it is actually a bipolar issue.

When a doctor conducts a bipolar test, the patient will be asked with a series of

* Origin and cycles. It is advised that you recall the details as to when your manic-depression episodes started. The frequency of your bipolar cycle will also be important in diagnosing your problem. This will help your doctor in understanding the level of seriousness of your problem.

* Your family background and personal history. The bipolar test will also include questions of these types. Bipolar disorder is often caused by your childhood environment and may be attributed to your family relationships.

* Assessment of your mental health.

* Medical history. The doctor may also ask you about drugs that had been prescribed to you in the past years. If necessary, he or she will also ask if you had been taking illegal ones. Drugs are possible causes of bipolar disorder.

* Lab tests. When necessary and if you have indicated that you have been taking drugs other than those prescribed, you may be subjected to a laboratory examination.

* Reference. Especially if the doctor finds that you have a serious bipolar disorder, he or she may inquire about you

* Observation tests. You may have to undergo a series of tests that aim to observe your behavioral patterns and mood swings. Sometimes it is even necessary to consider observing your physique and how you dress.

Diagnosing Children

A bipolar test can reveal many symptoms of this problem. But because symptoms share the same signs as that of other mental illness issues, there is more difficulty in diagnosing children for a bipolar test. Kids, especially at a very young age may have characteristics similar to bipolar signs.

Since children are “normally” delinquent, anxious, and their learning curve is still

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Why Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder So Difficult

Symptoms that could indicate bipolar could also be indicative of other physical or mental conditions. This makes it even more difficult to provide the appropriate treatment. For

This problem is further exacerbated when patients displaying physical signs related to disorder consult their medical doctor and not a psychiatrist. As the average general practitioner is not specially trained to easily recognize mental disease, bipolar can often remain undiagnosed until the condition is well advanced. This can result in escalated episodes involving police, ambulance and drastic treatment for the patient.

Issues For Doctors To Consider

There are several issues for therapists and doctors to consider when making a bipolar disorder diagnosis.

1. Ignoring international standards.

Although an international standard exists for making a bipolar disorder diagnosis,

2. Self-denial by the patient.

There has always been a negative connotation or stigma attached to the condition of this disorder, commonly known as manic depression. This is a common reason for bipolar sufferers to hold themselves in self-denial, ignoring their symptoms with a head-in-the-sand approach. Instead of investigating a possible bipolar disorder diagnosis when the illness begins, the patient ignores the warning signs and does nothing about it. This approach only serves to increase the symptoms and advance the condition more than if the illness been properly diagnosed early on.

3. Limitations of some general practitioners.

The psychological symptoms of bipolar disorder can easily be mistaken for the symptoms of other psychological illnesses such as major depressive disorders schizophrenia, substance-induced mood disorders, or mood disorders caused by medical conditions. Even highly experienced psychiatrists and psychologists can have difficulty reaching an accurate disorder diagnosis. It is therefore vital to seek help from a qualified mental health professional early in the piece to avoid

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Each bipolar case is different. Everyone comes with a unique brain, so each manifestation of the illness is different. The most important information I can give you for handling your spouse s bipolar disorder may sound counterintuitive:

Identify who YOU are. Figure out what in your life you hold closest to your heart (other than your spouse). Remember to nurture these ideals so

There is no blueprint for success when you read information about how to support a husband or wife with bipolar disorder. Every well person is unique, too. Making a marriage work with two normal people is hard enough. Witness how today s divorce rate tops 50%. Throw in a wild card of bipolar disorder, and you re penalized with a handicap right from the start.

But you can learn concrete strategies for handling unexpected mood swings, uncontrollable outbursts of anger, inevitable guilt and remorse (yours and his!) You can learn to talk to a husband or wife with bipolar disorder and even handle the emotions that

If you re Married To Mania , you must make critical decisions everyday that take into account your spouse s best interests but don t eradicate your morale
and self-esteem in the process. But you can learn how to still be you, and know that you are a good person who doesn t deserve any of this.

You can learn tips for dealing with the bipolar medical and insurance establishments without second-guessing yourself. You can learn to accept that the mental illness professionals are decidedly not on your side.

Counseling is helpful. I recommend it, in fact. But your therapist will not be

Your therapist cannot help you decide whether you should call the police or the mental hospital admissions desk. Your therapist cannot be there everyday to help you figure out what to say to your bipolar husband or wife. The therapist isn t there at the exact moment you must explain to your children what s wrong with mom or dad, and how it s not their fault.

You can learn life-tested

Lastly, you can find the strength to merge two seemingly impossible objectives: staying married to your bipolar spouse and taking charge of your own life (instead of waiting to see what your partner s mood is before deciding what yours will be that day). Or you can develop the insight

Elizabeth Atlas is the author of Married To Mania, a book that helps spouses and partners be in relationships with someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her book teaches how to live life on purpose, despite the unfair hand you were dealt in love and marriage and despite the chaos and emotional mine field you must avoid everyday in a [http://www.marriedtomania.com/index.php/marriage]marriage to someone with manic depression (another name for bipolar disorder). Elizabeth shows how to construct a plan to take charge of your life and to retain control of your life’s goals, without getting caught up in the bipolar drama no matter how much you

Do they go hand in hand? Is cyclothymic a precursor of things to come? Does it transition into full blown bipolar disorder?

With the clinical depression disorders that exist today you must be aware that some clinical depression disorders, almost as a warning sign of the future. You must watch for the warning signs.

Many of those who suffer with cyclothymic disorder are quite likely to develop full blown bipolar disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder exhibits many of the same symptoms of bipolar disorders, such as the extreme highs nor the extreme lows of bipolar depression; however, neither the manic highs nor the depressive lows well known to be

Let’s really understand the distinction here.

At this early phase of symptoms, cyclothymic disorder truly mimics bipolar disorder with the only change being that the highs and lows are not as severe nor do they last as long nor are they completely disruptive to life.

However, this is a serious matter as cyclothymic disorder has a high probability of converting into full blown bipolar disorder and so it must be aggressively treated in this early phase for the best possible

Cyclothymic disorder can begin to rear its ugly head in early adulthood or in some cases even in the late teen years.

Cyclothymic disorder is known to essentially affect both males and females equally, with only a slightly higher percentage of females being affected.

Cyclothymic disorder seems to have a genetic component as evidenced by the fact that many of those suffering from cyclothymic disorder also have a family member who has suffered from bipolar disorder. Many also have a family history of drug and alcohol abuse.

It is quite important that anyone suffering with cyclothymic disorder avoid all drugs and alcohol as they can further complicate any mental health disorder as well as interrupt treatment progress.

Remember

It is also important to remember that you must seek treatment as soon as you see these symptoms since ignoring them can only make them worse and can make treatment much more difficult. Cyclothymic disorder treatment typically encompasses combination therapy, including medication as well as counseling. Particularly with this disorder, combination therapy is vitally important.

In fact one therapy will not work without the other. Unlike other types of depression, using only an antidepressant as treatment is not necessarily

As we all know, there is no cure for mental illness. It is something that must be managed throughout life. Cyclothymic disorder is no different from any other mental illness.

There is no cure. However, with appropriate medication and aggressive treatment you have a shot at feeling that life is worth getting up out of the bed each and every day.

Seek help. It is the right thing to do.

For more important information on anxiety & depression be sure to visit http://www.0-depression.com where you will find advice and tips on anxiety self help, depression symptoms, and more.

Is it safe?

Since online counselling means that the counsellor

Advantages of online counselling

You do not have to visit an office to see a counsellor. Counselling can be carried out in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Nobody need know you are seeing a counsellor as it can be used at your convenience.
It saves time, travel and child care costs.
It is easily accessible.
Costs can be kept down as your counsellor does not have to rent office space.
If using email or message board counselling, you can read and write your messages at any time, convenient to you. This also gives time to compose a well thought-out response.
You only have to communicate with your counsellor; there is no receptionist or support worker to

Disadvantages of online counselling

Privacy

With traditional counselling, the counsellor ensures privacy by providing a room that is private and free from disturbance. However, with online counselling, it is up to you to protect your privacy and limit disruptions.

Text and chat

If communication is text-based, you will not be able to say as much, since communication is slower.
Unless web cameras are used, you will not be able to see your counsellor so non-verbal signals

Email

If email is used, other people could access your messages, unless you set up an account that only you know the password to. As such, confidentiality may be breached.
Also with email, messages may not be received or be forwarded on to someone else accidentally.
With email and message board counselling, you will have to wait to receive a reply.

What are the alternatives to online counselling?

Face to face counselling
Telephoning a counselling helpline
Attend a support group
Talk to a friend or family member
Talk to your doctor
Read a self-help book
Do nothing at all

Copyright Julia Barnard 2007

Julia Barnard is a professional

Bipolar disorder is a condition that is still being explored by scientists and doctors around the world. As a brain disorder, it is often hard to diagnose and can present itself in many different ways depending on the patient’s past history, lifestyle, temperament and behaviors. The disorder can strike male or female, rich or poor and young or old.

No one is guaranteed safe from developing the condition. Family history and genetics has a lot to do

Bipolar disorder affects the mood swings and behavior of those suffering from it, and can range from mild, moderate or severe episodes of depression to more normal or balanced moods to ‘hyper’ behaviors as well as mania. The spectrum offers almost a sliding scale of behaviors that usually present and remain for days, weeks, sometimes even years.

Many people diagnosed with the condition lead happy, fairly normal lives with periods of depression that hit every few years, while others suffer episodes of severe depression that may occur more

Bipolar disorder is classified in two ways. Type I, or the Classic form, finds patients suffering from repeating episodes of both severe periods of depression and mania, while Type II presents itself as a more mild form of the disease. Many people diagnosed with Type II lead fairly happy, normal lives and are able to work and remain constructive forces in society.

As a matter of fact, many of us work with such people on a daily basis and don’t even realize it. More severe forms of bipolar

While all of us, at one time or another, experience a wide range of mood swings on a regular basis, those with bipolar disorder issues find themselves on a roller coaster that they can’t get off. If left untreated, symptoms can lead to increased and more severe episodes. While the specific causes of bipolar disorder remain a mystery for the most part, doctors

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Bipolar disorder begins in early adulthood or late adolescence, therefore teen bipolar disorder is seen often; the challenge lays in recognizing the symptoms early enough to seek help. As anyone who has gone through adolescence can attest, in teenagers, irrational behavior is fairly normal, as are mood swings from very high to extreme lows; consequently, recognizing teen bipolar disorder can be

If you have suspicions that your child may have teen bipolar disorder, please take the time to watch his or her behavior closely in order to recognize common symptoms.

Depressive symptoms of teen bipolar disorder include insomnia or oversleeping, loss of energy, feelings of emptiness and worthlessness, physical agitation or sluggishness, continual sadness, lack of concentration, and suicidal thinking.

Manic symptoms include increased energy, extreme changes in mood, extreme irritability, rapid speech which leaps from idea to idea quickly without connection, lack of concentration, hyper sexuality, physical agitation, lack of sleep for extended periods of

Teen bipolar disorder is the beginning of life long illness, and cannot be cured; nevertheless it can be effectively treated with the help of medication and therapy. Family and friends will also play a pivotal role in treatment.

Young people afflicted with teen bipolar diseases need steady supervision, at any rate, in the early stages when timely treatment can make a big difference. Pay attention to any suspicions you have about this disorder in someone you know.

True, teens are the majority of the time hard to deal with, but it is better to seek treatment early and be in error than to disregard warning signs. Teen bipolar disorder is not to be ignored, but handled

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