What is bipolar disorder?

 

" Last week I felt on top of the world—like I was indestructible. But today I can't even get up. I don't think I'm going to feel like doing anything for a long time." 

 

People who have bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, usually experience periods of mania, or intense “highs” of energy, (including any or all of the symptoms in the second list at the bottom of the page) followed by periods of depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder, like symptoms of depression, can be different for different people. It's important to tell your doctor all of the symptoms you are having, or have experienced in the past, in order for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. Often, people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed with depression because they don't report their symptoms of mania. Symptoms of mania can feel really good for a while, especially if they happen right after you've been feeling depressed. But they can also lead to serious or even life-threatening problems if they cause you to do things that are reckless or impulsive.

 

What causes depression and bipolar disorder? 
"Why is this happening to me? Is it something I did?"

 

Depression and bipolar disorder are physical illnesses, just like diabetes or asthma. No one would expect to get over diabetes or asthma by “trying harder” or “snapping out of it.” Researchers believe that depression and bipolar disorder are caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depression and bipolar disorder can also be brought on by other medical illnesses, medications you may be taking, a change in health habits, stress, hormonal changes, or drug or alcohol use. You can't catch these illnesses from someone else and they are not caused by being a “bad person” or having a “bad parent.” They do run in families, though, so if someone else in your family has one of these illnesses, you might be more likely to have one, too. Anyone can get depression or bipolar disorder—people of all ages and all races from all walks of life. About one in ten people will experience some form of depression or bipolar disorder between the ages of 13 and 19, so if you have one of these illnesses, you are not alone. It's smart to seek help as soon as possible, because the earlier you get treatment, the more likely it is that you will be able to successfully manage your depression or bipolar disorder throughout your life.

 

How can I find help?

 

" I'm afraid my parents will yell at me and tell me it's my fault. And no one else knows about this... I don't want them to think I'm nuts."

 

There are a lot of people who can support you in finding help. If your parents ask you what's wrong, tell them. Often, parents are concerned about you and really want to help. If you don't feel you can talk to your parents, tell another adult you trust, such as:

 

• Another family member—an older brother or sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent
• Another trusted adult—a neighbor or a friend's parent
• A teacher, school counselor or other adult at school
• Your family doctor
• A member of the clergy or another person at your place of worship
• Someone working at a phone crisis line, helpline or neighborhood drop-in center

 

It's not shameful to have an illness that affects your thoughts and behaviors. Hiding your symptoms, or ignoring them and hoping they'll go away, can make things worse. You can get better, but it takes treatment, not just “willpower.”

 

What's treatment like?

 

“ I hated medication at first. It didn't take effect overnight, either. It was more gradual, like one day I was listening to music and enjoying it, and I realized, hey, I haven't had a miserable thought in like, hours, and I wasn't even trying not to! I like the way I feel now much better.”

 

There are many safe, effective treatments for both depression and bipolar disorder. People with these illnesses usually are helped by three things: medication, counseling (talk therapy) and support from people such as a DBSA group.

 

Although the moral support of friends and family can be very helpful, talking with them is not enough to treat depression or bipolar disorder. It's important to see a doctor who can make a diagnosis and put together a treatment plan that's right for you. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy or “talk therapy,” which can sometimes treat depression by itself. A good therapist can help you deal with the feelings you are having and help you find your way out of depression. Your doctor may also prescribe medication.

 

Medications called antidepressants are prescribed for depression and mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder. These medications do not cause “highs” or artificial happiness, do not change your personality, are not habit forming and don't “space people out.” They help return you to a stable, comfortable mood. They help you be you. Sometimes people have to try more than one treatment before they find the right one. It may take a combination of medications to help you feel better. Don't get discouraged. You and your doctor will find the treatment that's right for you.

 

You may see ads on TV, in newspapers or magazines, or on the internet for “natural” or “herbal” treatments for depression or bipolar disorder. Not a lot of research has been done on these treatments and unfortunately, natural does not always mean safe. If you would like to try a natural remedy, talk to your doctor first. It's very important not to take any additional pills or supplements, change your dose, or stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor about it.

 

What if I feel like killing myself? What can I do?

 

“ Two years ago I tried to kill myself. My mother found me and took me to the hospital. At first I was really mad that she hadn't let me die, but now that I've been working on getting better for awhile, I'm really glad to still be here.”

 

The feelings that cause a person to think about suicide are caused by the person's illness. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Don't be afraid to talk about these feelings. They are real, not a sign of weakness. With the right help, you can begin to feel better. Some things you can do if you're thinking about suicide:

 

• Tell someone right away.
• Develop a plan to make sure you're not by yourself, with the help of your family and/or friends. Don't use alcohol and/or drugs.
• Ask your parents to lock up any guns or other dangerous items in the house. Throw away all medications you are no longer taking.
• Depression and bipolar disorder can cause your mind to focus only on the bad things. Remember that this is part of your illness—it's not who you are and it's not the way things will always be.
• Have regularly scheduled health care appointments and keep them.
• Keep pictures of your favorite people with you or where you can see them at all times to remind you they are there for you.
• If you can, get involved in things you like to do. If you can't, then just spend time with family and friends, even if you are only doing something quiet like watching TV, going to a movie or reading with someone else in the room.
• If you drive, be sure a friend or family member knows to take away your car keys when you are feeling suicidal.
• Talk about how you're feeling. At a DBSA support group, you can meet other people who may have been through some of the same things you have.

 

 

How can I help a family member or friend?

 

“ My best friend has been acting so bizarre lately. Now she's really scaring me because yesterday she said this world would be better off without her.”

 

If you think someone you know has symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder:

 

• Encourage them to seek help from their doctor, a school counselor, or another type of counselor or social worker. You might want to offer to go with them to their first appointment.
• Learn all you can about depression and bipolar disorder. You might be that person's only source of information about mood disorders.
• Let them know you care. Remind them that they shouldn't feel ashamed or guilty. Avoid telling them things like, “Snap out of it.” Let them know their feelings are caused by an illness that can be treated.
• Invite them out. Realize they might not want to go at first. If they say no, ask them again later, or offer to stay in and spend time with them.
• If you are worried they might be suicidal, ask them, and help them get help. A straightforward, caring question about suicide will not cause someone to start having suicidal thoughts. If they are thinking of suicide, don't promise secrecy. Tell someone you trust immediately.
• Talk to them about attending a DBSA support group meeting. It can help them to learn that they are not alone.
• Make sure they do not have access to things that can cause injury, like knives, guns, alcohol or drugs.
• DO NOT take responsibility for making your friend or family member well. You are not a therapist.
• If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

 

 

What are support groups like?

 

“ I'm really grateful for my DBSA group. Even though a lot of people there are older than me, they actually understand, which is more than I can say for most of the people at my high school.” 

 

DBSA has 1000 support groups across the country. Each is a place where people can share their feelings, ask questions, talk about coping skills and find strength. By sharing your experiences, you can help others, too. Support group members are people with mood disorders and their families. Each group has a professional advisor and an appointed group leader. DBSA groups help people remember they are not alone, and can also help them stick with their treatment plans. Call (800) 826- 3632 or visit DBSAlliance to find a support group near you. If there is no group in your area, we can help you start one.

 

Never give up hope 

If you are having mood swings that worry you, find out if you have depression or bipolar disorder. These illnesses are treatable, and you can feel better. Your symptoms are nothing to be ashamed of, and the best thing you can do for yourself is get help. Always remember that you are not alone, and by working with your doctor, you can find a treatment that helps you.

 

A note to parents: 

Watching a child go through an episode of depression or mania is painful for parents, too. Often, children will refuse help or insist that parents don't understand. Parents, too, may be told their children will “snap out of it” or “need more discipline.” With a medical illness such as depression or bipolar disorder, however, treatment—whether it's talk therapy, medication, or another method you and your child's doctor choose—is the most important thing. It's also helpful to get support for yourself from other parents who can share their experiences and help you as your family journeys through treatment. Attend a DBSA support group in your area, or see the resources section for other organizations that can help.

 

Resources

 

These well-regarded organizations also offer information about depression or bipolar disorder. They are not affiliated with DBSA and DBSA is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the material they provide.

 

List of Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

 

Some or all of them may appear:

 

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility, can't concentrate well
• Little sleep needed
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

 

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode ) include:

 

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or inability to sleep
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts