Bipolar Disorder
Information from Bipolar UK
Bipolar disorder – sometimes known as manic depression – is a severe mental health illness characterised by significant mood swings including manic highs and depressive lows.
The majority of individuals with bipolar disorder experience alternating episodes of mania and depression. Both males and females of any age and from any social or ethnic background can develop the illness. The symptoms can first occur and then reoccur when work, studies, family or emotional pressures are at their greatest. The key to coping with bipolar disorder is an early diagnosis, acceptance of the illness and lifestyle adaptations. This is to ensure control of the symptoms as much as possible. Management of the illness can be achieved through strategies involving medication, health care, therapy and self-management.
Bipolar disorder – sometimes known as manic depression – is a severe mental health illness characterised by significant mood swings including manic highs and depressive lows.
The majority of individuals with bipolar disorder experience alternating episodes of mania and depression. Both males and females of any age and from any social or ethnic background can develop the illness. The symptoms can first occur and then reoccur when work, studies, family or emotional pressures are at their greatest. The key to coping with bipolar disorder is an early diagnosis, acceptance of the illness and lifestyle adaptations. This is to ensure control of the symptoms as much as possible. Management of the illness can be achieved through strategies involving medication, health care, therapy and self-management.
How to support a friend
Bipolar affects everyone differently and can be difficult to diagnose. If your friend feels comfortable doing so, they could complete a mood diary (available on the Bipolar UK website). They should then make an appointment with their doctor and tell them how they have been feeling over a period of time. It is also useful to take a friend or family member along. Sometimes your GP may refer you to a specialist – usually a psychiatrist. Diagnosis should always be undertaken by an appropriately trained medical professional.
Bipolar affects everyone differently and can be difficult to diagnose. If your friend feels comfortable doing so, they could complete a mood diary (available on the Bipolar UK website). They should then make an appointment with their doctor and tell them how they have been feeling over a period of time. It is also useful to take a friend or family member along. Sometimes your GP may refer you to a specialist – usually a psychiatrist. Diagnosis should always be undertaken by an appropriately trained medical professional.
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