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Struggling with Depression or Bipolar Disorder? Get Help Now!

Struggling with Depression or Bipolar Disorder?

 

We offer support groups

 

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Types of Bipolar Disorder
 

Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode)


This is the classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually Bipolar I Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression.


Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression)


In Bipolar II disorder, you don't experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression.
 

Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression)


Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder that consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

Treatment of bipolar disorder generally begins with the goal of bringing a patient with mania or depression to symptomatic recovery and stable mood.

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Becoming healthy with bipolar disorder involves the combination of therapy, medication and peer support groups.

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Support Group Unity

There are steps a peer or caregiver can take to help prevent a manic episode or hypomania.

 

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  • Firstly, know the warning signs of a manic episode/hypomania (below we list the symptoms).

 

  • Write and record with a mood chart. Tracking your mood helps catch early on symptoms and identify specific triggers.

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  • Take medicines as instructed by your doctor to help reduce the number of manic episodes.

 

  • To help prevent a manic episode, avoid triggers such as stressful situations, alcohol or drug use.

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  • Getting good night's sleep is important. Keep a consistent schedule. This can help reduce mood swings and episodes of mania. 

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  • Have an action plan in place. During a manic episode, those who support you can follow the plan and keep you safe. 

Mania/Hypomania Symptoms

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  • Speaking loudly

  • Feeling optimistic

  • Extremely irritable

  • Feeling unusually high

  • Behaving jumpy or wired

  • Easily distracted

  • Taking on new projects

  • Restlessness

  • Unrealistic beliefs about one’s ability

  • Acting impulsively

  • Overly happy, outgoing mood

  • Sleeping less

  • Inflated self-image

  • Increased libido

  • Risky sexual behaviors

  • Jumping from one topic to another

  • Rapid, pressured speech

  • Speech and thought flying from one thing to the next

  • Extreme spending

  • Delusions and hallucinations in severe cases

 

​Depressive Symptoms

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  • Feeling hopeless

  • Sadness

  • Feeling empty

  • Changes in appetite and weight

  • Sleeping problems

  • Irritability

  • Inability to experience pleasure

  • Physical and mental sluggishness

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Concentration or memory problems

  • Feeling worthless

  • Feelings of guilt

  • Thoughts of death or suicide​

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