BIPOLAR DISORDER--WARNING
SIGNS,
HELP NUMBERS & Helpful
Web Sites
Disclaimer:
Online information found here is made available so that individuals may find
out whether consultation with a counselor or doctor may be helpful. This is a
help site and is not intended to provide treatment, diagnosis, or consultation.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
What
is bipolar disorder?*
Bipolar
disorder, also commonly known as manic depression, is a brain disorder that
causes shifts in a personÕs mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms
of bipolar disorder can result in damaged relationships, difficulty in working
or going to school, and even suicide. There are generally periods of normal
mood as well, but left untreated, people with bipolar disorder continue to
experience these shifts in mood. The good news is that bipolar disorder can be
treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
What are the symptoms of
Bipolar Disorder?*
Bipolar disorder can cause
dramatic mood swings—from high and feeling on top of the world, or
uncomfortably irritable and Ôrevved upÕ, to sad and hopeless, often with
periods of normal moods in between. The periods of highs and lows are called
episodes of mania and depression.
SYMPTOMS OF MANIC PHASE*
--Feeling on top of the world. A sensation of sheer and utter
happiness that nothing—not even bad news or a horrifying event or
tragedy—can change.
--Sudden or extreme
irritability or rage.
While mania is often portrayed as a pleasurable experience, that is not the
case for many people with bipolar disorder.
--Grandiose delusions. Individuals imagine that they
have special connections with God, celebrities, or political leaders.
--Invincibility or
unrealistic beliefs in oneÕs abilities. The person feels that nothing can prevent him or her
from accomplishing any task.
--Hyperactivity. Scheduling more events in a day
than can be accomplished; inability to relax or sit still.
--Excessively risky behavior.
Reckless
driving, outlandish spending sprees, foolish business investments, or
out-of-character sexual behavior.
--Uncontrollable racing
thoughts/rapid speech. Ideas that abruptly change from topic to topic expressed in loud,
rapid speech that becomes increasingly incoherent.
--Less need for sleep.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSED PHASE*
--Intense sadness or despair.
The person
feels helpless, hopeless, & worthless.
--No interest in activities
they once enjoyed.
--Loss of energy, fatigue.
--Sleeping difficulties Either sleeping too much or not
at all.
--Changes in appetite. Either a noticeable increase in
appetite or a substantial weight loss unrelated to dieting.
--Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions.
--Thoughts of death or
suicide.
*ÓLetÕs
Talk Facts About Bipolar DisorderÓ (Manic Depression); American Psychiatric
Association, Copyright 2005.
HELP
NUMBERS
For
help or more information contact any of the following individuals, groups, or
agencies:
--Guidance Counselors—
High School
Middle School
Elementary
--Family physician or local/area clinic
--Family
services, social agencies, or clergy
--Check the phone book under Òmental healthÓ,
ÒhealthÓ, Òsocial servicesÓ, ÒhotlinesÓ or ÒphysiciansÓ for phone numbers and
addresses.
An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary
help and can tell you where and how to get further help.
FOR
AFTER HOURS HELP CALL:
24
Hours Daily—Confidential--Free
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
Teen Help Line: 1-800-443-8336
Teen Help Line is not a crisis or ÒhotlineÓ. The line
provides health information & referral services for Iowa teens.
If
you are thinking of harming yourself or know someone who is, tell someone who
can help immediately.
--Call your doctor.
--Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
--Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline number for the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
--Make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone.
Helpful
Links for More Information On Bipolar Disorder
Scroll
down the page to find web sites about bipolar disorder.
National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental
Health America
www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/bipolar
National
Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/introduction.shtml
Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Signs
symptoms
Teens
Health
www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/bipolar.html
American
Psychiatric Association (APA)
www.healthyminds.org/multimedia/bipolardisorder.pdf