Friday, January 23, 2009

Support Groups

By Ken P Doyle

A person suffering from bipolar mania finds it hard to cope with the illness. They also find it difficult to function in their daily lives as well as their social relationships. The lack of interest in life and feeling of hopelessness the depression brings is crippling to the patient. This depression stage of bipolar causes many patients to commit suicide.

The opposite of depression is mania. This is an extreme high euphoric feeling. In this stage, the patient is overly excited, may talk rapidly, and have an unrealistic view of his or her own abilities. This state of excitement and rush of energy can lead to rash impulsive behavior. During this stage, the patient can be a danger to themselves and others.

One of the best solutions for helping bipolar patients cope with these excessive mood swings is by joining a support group. This will enable them to discuss their own experiences and ways of dealing with them openly by interacting with others who have the same problem. It is also useful to learn how others deal with their mania and depressions and other problems.

Joining a support group also shows the patient they are not alone in the struggle to live and function with the disorder. You can find motivation to keep following your treatment plan, gain hope for recovery and learn to look forward to a brighter future with the support of others.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Many bipolar mania sufferers also use or abuse alcohol or other drugs in an effort to control their episodes. This will only make the problem worse and complicate treatment. In group therapy under the guidance of a professional or other moderator, the substance abuse problems are dealt with also. It is important to find the right treatment for your particular case.

Not only will joining a group help solve these abuse problems, it will also take care of other problems related to this disorder. This is why finding the right group, for treatment of this particular case, is extremely important. A support group offers moral as well as emotional support and is a big help for the feelings of isolation that bipolar patients suffer from. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder then making good friends is also important as they will be there for you in the future if your problems ever get worse.

Online Support

Other sources that offer help for people struggling with symptoms bipolar mania are online support groups and forums. It is accessible at anytime of day in case they feel the need to interact and share their problems/experiences with others. They can learn how to cope with their moods and new ways to deal with their own problems by reading about other peoples problems and solutions. Making friends to share personal experiences and talking honestly about anything that comes to mind is also achieved by these sources. You can benefit from tips and advice other patients offer based on personal experience, whether online or offline.

Joining a support group can help family and friends of bipolar sufferers. You can learn new ways to offer help to your loved one. It is very difficult to see a loved one struggling with the terrible mood disorders that come with bipolar mania. A support group will help you better understand bipolar and new ways to deal with the situation. - 15437

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