The Other Side of Mind seeks to explore the psyche of a bipolar sufferer, exploring the highs and the lows of mania. When Sarah Sylveston started writing, she was overwhelmed with bipolar disorder and desperately needed mental health care. As she researched this theme, she discovered that bipolar disorder is a chronic illness and that those with the condition experience cycles of elation and depression that recur on and off many times in their lifetime. As she dug into the understanding of the bipolar condition, she discovered that the cycle of mania had its own cycle, lasting for about six months before it hit a plateau.
While this seems like a long journey through bipolar disorder, it actually represents only four stages. Understanding this enables the bipolar-disorder sufferer to understand how to manage the illness better. Understanding the four stages helps the bipolar-disorder sufferer realize that they can take control of their life. The journey through bipolar disorder does not have to be a long one.
At the beginning of the journey through bipolar disorder, there is a period of stabilization known as the lows. During this time, the bipolar-disorder sufferer may still have mixed or manic episodes, but they are no longer psychotic or manic. This is the time to look at medications and form a support system. Family members and friends need to let the bipolar sufferer know that they are there and they are loved.
The second part of the journey through bipolar disorder is when the bipolar-disorder sufferer begins to feel the thrill of mania. It is during this stage that dangerous decisions are made, and dangerous behaviors are conducted. Bipolar-disorder patients are not normally so self-destructive. This is the time when self-help can become crucial.
When a mania episode begins, you will need to learn how to manage it and take measures in order to avoid an even worse situation. This is the stage when a manic episode can become dangerous. During the manic state, the bipolar-disorder sufferer can become suicidal. Some people will hold themselves back and won’t express their anger. Others will walk around with their sleeves rolled up, trying to keep themselves under control.
The third part of the journey through bipolar and alcohol disorder deals with depressive symptoms. The depression that develops during this time can be crippling and will interfere with day-to-day activities. This is also when it can become necessary to look for ways to take care of oneself. There is nothing more debilitating than feeling hopeless.
As you journey through bipolar disorder, it will become clear that your doctor prescribes medications that aren’t always helping. New research has shown that some of the new drugs being approved for bipolar disorder simply mask symptoms. They do not treat the actual bipolar disorder. You may feel like you need a new way of living, but you should know that there are alternative methods to consider as part of your journey through bipolar disorder.
Even if you don’t think you want to make changes to your medication or therapy, taking advantage of all the helpful information available is a must as part of your bipolar-disorder journey. A manic episode can be a violent experience. When it comes to your mental health, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can deal with it on your own. Consult with a specialist in your area for additional information about dealing with this condition on your journey through bipolar disorder.
The best thing about it is that your journey through bipolar disorder can lead you to new experiences and heights of achievement in your life. If you’re feeling a sense of detachment from your life, getting your mind back into the game will be very challenging, but it can be done. Don’t let bipolar disorder get you down. Instead, utilize your disorder as an opportunity to create a new path in your life.
Part of your bipolar-disorder journey will be the support you receive. Getting the right help in the right place is a necessity as you journey through bipolar disorder. Family members are key players in your recovery. They can provide you with the strength to keep going and keep your bipolar disorder at bay. Your support system will help you learn how to become a healthier you, learn coping skills, learn how to live with bipolar disorder, and more.
Your journey through bipolar disorder can be an empowering experience. A big part of your journey will involve finding a way to gain control of your bipolar disorder and push it out of your life for good. There are new opportunities to gain self-esteem, new goals, and a chance to start over, which only comes along once in a lifetime. Yu can visit Janny Becker for more books on alcoholism and other mental illnesses to recover.