Chord Link

Despite the increased focus on the disorder and the use of support groups to cater for the social aspects of the victim, a lot of individuals are still being misdiagnosed with bipolar medication which has led to high levels of both under diagnosed and misdiagnosed patients, this according to the, 2005 American Journal of Managed Care. It is often hard for victims with the illness to receive timely and adequate treatment when this happens. Quick, accurate and early identification of the problem can result in an early treatment of the disorder.

Weight Gain

Many patients with this mental illness have complained that some medications are famous for making them gain weight. Patients have been caught by surprise, because there was no prior warning by doctors or from their psychiatrists. In gaining weight, patients can put on 20 pounds or 10 kilograms in a matter of a few weeks or months. In one year they can put on a total 60 pounds. This weight gain is caused by certain medication which works against the intended result of medication treatments. These extra weights on the body add negative feelings to their dullness and low self-esteem, which happens to be symptoms of depression. A lot of victims may have no choice but to take this medicine because they are able to manage their symptoms well.

Some X Factors

Successfully treating this Mental illness depends on many important factors:

Taking the right medicines.

Taking the right dosage.

A good medical doctor who knows what they are doing – with a good working relationship.

A warm, good and supportive counselor.

A good support group and a supportive family.

A well balanced lifestyle with lots of exercise.

Wake times and regular sleep is very important.

Other Forms of Help

Medications are just one part of helping those with bipolar get better which they have to learn the hard way. Medicine use is just a part of the recovery process, however there is a lot that a patient can do to help oneself. There are other treatments beside medication that are available like therapies and a support network beginning from the home.

Why a Support Group

Isolation can be worse than the illness which bipolar depression phase brings. People during the manic phase can lose valuable friends and also chase them away. Added to this is the stigma, the shame, deprivation of meaningful human contact the illness brings. The ability to react with one another and their social skills can be robbed.

Learning to Cope

Trying to cope is a good survival tool which you can pick up in a support group. Learning from other victims or those in bipolar support groups can help you avoid mistakes made by others. There are successful patients who are compliant with their medication and get moral and other social support from attending a support group. Sometimes in a group a simple advice of ensuring a good nights sleep, taking your bipolar medicine faithfully or some crucial break is all that is needed to change those bad routine.