Lots of people with bipolar disorder have wondered at one point or another- Can bipolar disorder be cured? Will I have bipolar disorder forever? Since the depression and mania episodes in this disease can wreck havoc on a person’s life, they look for a bipolar cure.
While there are a variety of ways to treat and manage manic depression, to date there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. Researchers are working everyday to solving the manic depression puzzle.
Some people have very few mania and depression episodes without treatments, while others have symptoms throughout their lifetime. To be completely free from bipolar symptoms after diagnosis is rare. There are some people that go for extended periods of time feeling well and being symptom-free, but there is always a chance for another mania or depression episode to reoccur. This is why it is wise to maintain treatments despite feeling well. It is better to be cautious. Your health deserves it.
There are some people that claim to be cured or healed from bipolar disorder, but they can not know for sure as they could have an episode at any time in the future. It is best to think that these individuals have learned to manage their disorder in a way that allows them to be symptom-free. You should strive to be symptom-free instead of searching for a miracle bipolar cure. Perhaps one day there will be a break-through cure for bipolar disorder.
Since there is no cure yet for manic depression, it is best to maintain a treatment plan your therapist suggests. This will include medication, counseling and a self-management plan you find works for you.
If you’re looking to live a full life despite your manic depression diagnosis, I would suggest reading The Bipolar Advantage by Tom Wootton. It promises that you’ll look at your life differently.
One way to lessen bipolar manic and depression episodes is to avoid stress. Of course, stressful situations are a part of life, but you can do a number of things to keep it at a minimum. Here are some tips you can use to manage bipolar disorder and stress.
Avoid high-stress situations.If there are situations that you know will bring you stress, such as planning a holiday party or a 12-hour day full of activities, it would be best to avoid doing so. Taking extra precaution to keep your stress levels low should be the number one priority.
Balance your work and personal life. You may have periods of high energy where you want to work a lot and other times where you just want to take it easy. Find a balance and stick with it so it’ll be easier to stabilize you moods. Having a schedule will keep your mind focused. It is also ok to say “no” when you feel as though you’re becoming overworked.
Incorporate relaxation techniques. Even before you start to feel tension, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself calm and relaxed. The last thing you’d want to do is trigger a bipolar episode. These relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
Yoga: One way to center yourself when dealing with bipolar disorder is to practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga not only has physical benefits, but mental benefits as well. You’ll feel much more in control as you lower your risk for anxiety, stress and depression.
Meditation: You may also find that you benefit from meditation as part of your bipolar disorder treatment. You can think of anything when you’re meditating. One thing you don’t want to think about are your potential stressors. Think of peaceful nature scenes or pray as you meditate. Think of yourself living a healthy, stress-free life and conquering your bipolar disorder.
Deep breathing: Take some quiet time to do some deep breathing. Breath in through the mouth and out through the nose in a steady pace. You’ll feel the stress melt away.
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Anxiety and panic attacks can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. There is medical evidence that shows that bipolar disorder and panic disorder can coexist. Some research deems that the two are genetically related. It is even more common for a family with multiple bipolar disorder sufferers to have coexisting symptoms of panic and anxiety disorder.
So, what are panic attacks? Panic attacks are a feeling of terror that can happen at any moment. During the panic attack, the person may feel as though they’re going to have a heart attack or even die.
Here are some signs and symptoms that you may suffer from panic or anxiety attacks.
1. Racing palpitating heartbeat
2. Sense of terror
3. Feeling weak, dizzy, lightheadedness
4. Chest pains
5. Having difficulty breathing
6. Numb or tingly feelings in hands and fingers
7. Having chills or hot flashes
8. Feeling loss of control
One key factor to panic disorder is that attacks happen without warning and the panic attack sufferer has no way to stop it. The fear induced by these attacks is much greater than the situation and is often unrelated. The attacks last for several minutes, but can reoccur for hours.
Panic attacks are frightening, but not dangerous. The attacks are scary because the sufferer feels out of control and sometimes as though they’re going to die. The effects of panic disorder can worsen because they can lead to other things such as drug and alcohol abuse, medical complications, phobias and suicide. Panic attacks can impact people in varying ways, with some feeling a slight disturbance on their life while others want to isolate themselves and stay sheltered from the rest of the world.
If you have bipolar disorder and feel you have panic disorder symptoms as well, talk with your mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and the best way to treat the issue.
Continue reading about Bipolar Disorder and Panic Attacks Can Coexist
If you have been diagnosed as manic depressive, your doctor will also share with you that you will have either one of two bipolar disorder types. It may not be clear right away though as you may need more observation of your symptoms. The two categories are Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. There is also a third related category, cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia.
Here’s some information about each type of manic depression.
Type 1: When a person has bipolar 1 disorder, he or she has at least one manic episode in his or her life. During the manic episode, the person experiences an elevated mood. The person could also experience mixed symptoms which includes having both a mania and depression episode every day for at least one week. Bipolar 1 is the more serious of the two types of manic depression. It results in a major change in a person’s usual behavior.
Type 2: When a person has bipolar 2 disorder, he or she experiences one or more depressive episodes along with one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes but are less severe. For some, hypomania isn’t as disruptive because the person doesn’t experience full-blown mania or mixed symptoms. Bipolar 2 is the less serious of the two types of manic depression.
-Some may also receive a rapid-cycling bipolar disorder diagnosis. Rapid-cycling is when a person experiences four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed episodes within one year.
Cyclothymic disorder, Cyclothymia
Cyclothymic disorder is known as a mild form of bipolar disorder. Those with cyclothymic disorder experience chronic fluctuations in mood: periods of hypomania and depression over a course of at least two years. These moods come in shorter, less severe instances and are not severe enough to be considered bipolar 1 or 2. These mood swings can impair social interactions and could develop into a worsened form of manic depression.
Continue reading about Bipolar Disorder Types: Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2 and Cyclothymic disorder
If you’re visiting this site, perhaps you’re wondering Do I have bipolar disorder? Or maybe you’re wondering if your loved one is bipolar. If so, it’s time to take a look at the bipolar disorder symptoms to see if they fit.
Keep in mind that only a trained licensed therapist can assess whether or not a person has bipolar disorder (manic depression) for sure. However, there are signs that either you or a loved one might notice well before a diagnosis is made. 
Bipolar Disorder symptoms can vary from person to person when it comes to the pattern, frequency and severity of symptoms. While some people experience more depression or mania, others have an equal cycle between the two extremes.
Some people only have a few major mood changes during their lifetime, while others have them more frequently. If you think that you or your loved one is bipolar, check out some common bipolar disorder symptoms used to diagnose the illness.
Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Bipolar depression symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, down
- Feeling hopeless, worthless
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. This can include sex.
- Feeling restless, having a hard time concentrating - Thinking about death or suicide
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Social withdrawal
- A lose in appetite or changes in weight
- Feeling tired
- Unexplained physical aches and pains
Bipolar mania symptoms include:
- Racing thoughts
- High amounts of energy
- Irritability - Having grandiose thoughts, believing you can do things beyond your ability, high self confidence
- Easily distracted - Sleeping very little, but feeling energetic
- Acting impulsively, doing risky behaviors without thinking of consequences - In severe cases one can have delusions and hallucinations
- Extremely talkative, rapid speech If you suspect you are having either a depression or mania symptoms of bipolar disorder, make an appointment with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Continue reading about Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Signs: How to Tell if You Are Bipolar