Bipolar Disorder
Manic-depression
In Brief
“It can be exhausting and overwhelming just to be in your own skin.” ~ Anonymous
Life-Long Challenges
Medication compliance, Relapse, Sleep (quality hours), overstimulation, side effects.
Quotes
“Some of our greatest battles are fought and won in silence.” ~ K. Starr
“Sometimes I am high; and sometimes I’m low, but I love myself even when I hate myself.” ~ H. Blum
Client / Therapist
Client:
“Which is me: Wild, Impulsive, and Chaotic or Shy, Desperate, and Doomed?”
Therapist:
“Probably a bit of both, but you’ve moved past ‘just existing’ towards the life you deserve.”
Depressive Episodes
In Brief
Unipolar and bipolar episodes are the same. Mixed episodes, (Mania plus Depression), increased suicidality.
Triggers
Major life change, Finances, Relationships, Grief, Childbirth, Loneliness, Stress, Addiction, Major illness.
Co-morbid Issues
Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Personality disorder, Drug dependence, Somatic disorder.
Quotes
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ~ J. Green
“Healing is not linear.” ~ Unknown
Mania, Hypomania Episodes
In Brief
Sustained periods of elevated mood and extreme or risky behaviors. Any attempts to stabilize expansive moods (impulsive risks) will be viewed as a grave threat.
Co-morbid Issues
Sexual promiscuity, excessive spending, substance abuse, and medication compliance.
Quotes
“The mania end of bipolar is a lot of fun.” ~ Carrie Fisher
“My recovery from manic depression has been an evolution not a sudden miracle.” ~ Patty Duke
Resources
Websites
Bphope.com
Healthfulchat.org
Psychcentral.com
Dailystrength.org
Helpguide.org
Movies
Silver Linings
Touched with Fire
Infinitely Polar Bear
A Fine Madness
Books
Madness: A Bipolar Life
~ M. Hornbacher
New Hope for Bipolar Disorder
~ J. Fawcett, B. Golden
Therapy Pros
Improves medication adherence. Reduces relapse.
Therapy Cons
Overdiagnosed. Doesn’t decrease suffering. Overmedication is rampant.
