Bipolar disorder can also be termed as maniac depression and in this; the person can go to the extremes. Sometimes he will feel very happy and on the top of the world whereas sometimes he would feel utterly depressed. But when they are depressed they really feel very low and lose interest in almost everything and anything. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be quite disturbing as the person would feel anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and loss of interest.
How to deal with Bipolar Disorder?
The patients of bipolar disorder are quite unpredictable. Sometimes they will feel overly energetic and would enjoy things and sometimes there might be episodes of depression too. They face mood swings and the family as well as friends should be ready for the same. Sometimes there might be mixed episodes as well. The reasons for bipolar disorder can be genetic, stress, drug abuse some sad incident etc. People with bipolar disorder have more chance to meet anxiety disorders. That’s the reason why it is important to put some control over the symptoms of this disorder or else there can be major issues. There are no lab tests that would diagnose bipolar disorder. This can be diagnosed when the psychiatrist evaluates the patient’s history and behaviour. Medications and talk therapy can give some control over this problem.
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Here are some of the alternative treatments that can give some relief in bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can be due to several reasons. But most important means to get relief in this condition is due to certain potent changes in lifestyle as well as lowering the levels of stress. Here are some of the lifestyle changes that will give patient some benefit in the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The patient can follow them along with medication and talk therapy or sessions with the psychiatrist.
- Eat healthy food: The patient should be given the food he likes and at the same time it should be nutritious. Most of the researches reveal that patients of bipolar disorder can have fatty fish everyday and this can help in reducing the episodes of depression. It is good for heart and also it stabilizes the mood.
- Have fish oil as a supplement: Fish oil is very good for health. It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and this helps in getting relief from anxiety and depression. It also works as a soother for the body and mind.
- Perform yoga, meditation and regular exercises daily: The patient should rely on yoga and meditation and this will help in reducing stress in the mind and body. The patient can attend yoga classes or he or she should appoint a personal instructor at home first. Yoga and the relevant breathing techniques should be first learnt from an expert and then they should be practiced daily.
- Avoid unhealthy relationships and stressful situations: Unhealthy relationships can create stressful events and also the stressful events can create unhealthy relationships. Patients of bipolar disorder should be kept away from such things as they would negatively have an impact.
- Sleep well: Patients who suffer from bipolar disorder often have sleep issues. But this can make the condition grave. It would be better if the patient can take good sleep so that the mind would get relaxed.
- Avoid use of alcohol or drugs: The patient should put a curb on alcohol and drugs as these things would make the mental condition grave.
The care-givers should maintain absolute peace and calm. They should not get irritated or angry with the patient’s behavior. This is because if the patient comes to know about the care-giver’s dislike then he would try to maintain a distance with the caregiver which can be a risky thing.
How talk therapy works for bipolar disorder?
Talk therapy can benefit the patients of bipolar disorder to certain extent. In talk therapy or psycho therapy the patient talks to the doctor about the problems he is facing, the symptoms, the possible reasons, the issues etc. After the discussion and evaluation of the past history the doctor would suggest the medications and lifestyle changes. The frank discussion with psychiatrist really makes a good impact.
With talk therapy the doctor can decide the path of treatment. For bipolar disorder the caregiver, the doctor and the patient should make a team and work towards the goal. The ultimate goal should be to reduce the symptoms of the issue.
Can natural remedies work?
Yes, as discussed above if certain potent changes are made in lifestyle then this can soothe the moods of the patient. There can be extreme mood swings which need to be controlled. The caregiver should not get embarrassed over the things that the patient does but he should get adapted to such things. But the caregiver should always have tricks at hand that can reduce the issues.
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As a caregiver you should have access to things that can help to reduce the tension and stress in the mind of the patient. Sometimes things go out of control but there should be levels of calmness maintained and finally this will give some better results.
Foods that are good and healthy can be given to the patients. Caffeine can really create more of mood swings and thus patients of bipolar disorder should not be given too much of caffeine.
Apart from all the above instructions it would be better to take all medications properly. It is not good to skip medications. Make sure that you take the right dose of medications. Any medicine in more or less quantity can re-create the condition. Always talk to your doctor before you make any changes in dosage or medicines.
Bipolar disorder is something very common these days and almost 2 percent of American adults suffer from it. It is vital to take good care of mind, body and soul so as to keep well. The patient, the doctor and the caregiver all together can soothe the health condition and can balance the extremities.