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 despite the increased focus on the disorder and the use of support groups to cater for the social aspects of victims, this according to the, 2005 American Journal of Managed Care. Receiving timely and adequate treatment is often hard for victims with the illness when this happens. A good treatment of the disorder can be given if an accurate and early diagnoses of the problem is identified.
Gaining Weight
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.
Important Factors
Treating this Mental illness successfully depends on many things:
Being given the right medicines.
Making sure you are taking the right dosage.
A good working relationship with a good medical doctor who knows what they are doing.
A warm, good and supportive counselor.
Supportive family and a good support group.
A lifestyle that is well balanced and lots of exercise.
Waking times and regular sleep is very important.
Other Forms of Help
Medications is just one part of helping those with bipolar get better. There is a lot that a patient must and can do to help oneself besides the use of medicine which are all part of recovery process. Beside medication other treatments are available like therapies and a support network beginning from their close keens.
Why a Support Group
Worse than the illness is the isolation which the depressed phase brings. People can lose friends and chase away people during the manic phase. Added to that is the deprivation of meaningful human contact, the stigma and the shame the illness brings. They can also be robbed of their social skills or the ability to react with one another which may be detrimental.
Learning to Cope
A good survival tool which you can pick up in support groups is trying to cope. All can learn from each other in a bipolar support group. You can learn how to avoid mistakes made by others. Successful patients get moral and other social support from attending a support group. A simple advice of ensuring a good nights sleep is sometimes all that is needed from a bipolar support group.
Gaining Weight
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.
Important Factors
Treating this Mental illness successfully depends on many things:
Being given the right medicines.
Making sure you are taking the right dosage.
A good working relationship with a good medical doctor who knows what they are doing.
A warm, good and supportive counselor.
Supportive family and a good support group.
A lifestyle that is well balanced and lots of exercise.
Waking times and regular sleep is very important.
Other Forms of Help
Medications is just one part of helping those with bipolar get better. There is a lot that a patient must and can do to help oneself besides the use of medicine which are all part of recovery process. Beside medication other treatments are available like therapies and a support network beginning from their close keens.
Why a Support Group
Worse than the illness is the isolation which the depressed phase brings. People can lose friends and chase away people during the manic phase. Added to that is the deprivation of meaningful human contact, the stigma and the shame the illness brings. They can also be robbed of their social skills or the ability to react with one another which may be detrimental.
Learning to Cope
A good survival tool which you can pick up in support groups is trying to cope. All can learn from each other in a bipolar support group. You can learn how to avoid mistakes made by others. Successful patients get moral and other social support from attending a support group. A simple advice of ensuring a good nights sleep is sometimes all that is needed from a bipolar support group.
About the Author:
Ken P Doyle is an advocate for bipolar disorder and has a wealth of knowledge on mental illness. As an advocate he would like to share some excellent information and data on bipolar medication and bipolar support groups.
