Bipolar Medication And Good Support Groups Are Essential
A lot of individuals are still being misdiagnosed with bipolar medication which has led to high levels of both under diagnosed and misdiagnosed patients, this despite the increased focus on the disorder and the use of support groups to cater for the social aspects of victims, this according to the, 2005 American Journal of Managed Care. Receiving timely and adequate treatment is often hard for victims with the illness when this happens. A good treatment of the disorder can be given if an accurate and early diagnoses of the problem is identified.
Gaining Weight
Many patients with this mental illness have been caught by surprise and have complained that some medications are making them gain weight. In gaining weight, patients can put on 20 pounds or 10 kilograms in a matter of a few weeks or months. In one year they can put on a total of 60 pounds which there was no prior warning by doctors or psychiatrists. Working against the intended result of medication treatments this weight gain is caused by certain medication. These extra weights on the body add negative feelings of low self-esteem, and depression which happens to be symptoms of bipolar depression. Because there is no alternative a lot of victims may have no choice but to take this medicine because they are able to manage their bipolar.
The X Factor
Successfully treating this Mental illness depends on many important factors:
Being given the right medicines.
Making sure you are taking the right dosage.
A good medical doctor who knows what they are doing - with a good working relationship.
A warm, good and supportive counselor.
Supportive family and a good support group.
A lifestyle that is well balanced and lots of exercise.
Wake times and regular sleep is very important.
Help in other Forms
Medications is just one part of helping those with bipolar get better. There is a lot that a patient must and can do to help oneself besides the use of medicine which are all part of recovery process. Beside medication other treatments are available like therapies and a support network beginning from their close keens.
The purpose of a Support Group
Bipolar depression phase brings isolation which can be worse than the illness. During the manic phase, people can lose friends and because of their horrific attitude tend to chase away people. Added to all these is the stigma, the shame, the deprivation of meaningful human contact the illness brings. Their social skills or the ability to react with one another can also be robbed which may be disastrous.
You can Learn to Cope
A good survival tool which you can pick up in a support group is learning to cope. Other victims or those in bipolar support groups can teach you valuable information on avoiding mistakes made by others. There are successful patients who are compliant with their medication who can lay claim to getting moral and other social support from a support group. Sometimes in this gatherings a simple advice like a good nights sleep, taking your bipolar medicine diligently or just having a break is all that is needed to change those bad habits.
Tags: Health