How to Get Help for Manic Depression

Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, is a brain condition that causes severe imbalances in the chemistry of the brain. The disease can interfere with normal living. It causes changes in mood and energy levels. Left untreated, manic depression can lead to job loss, destroyed relationships and even suicide.

Instructions

Recognizing The Symptoms Is The First Step

• 1

  Learn to recognize the symptoms. While some people begin to show signs of bipolar disorder as children, many others develop the condition later in life. Watch for overtly excited states, which can indicate manic episodes, or sad, hopeless moods, that signal depression. The various mood swings usually continue for two weeks or more in those with manic depression.

• 2

  Know your family history. Gather your family history to share with a doctor when you first suspect the illness. While there is little known about the origin or cause of manic depression, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that genetic factors play in role in the development of manic depression. Request a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI). You can also ask for a positron emission tomography (PET) scan that can show brain patterns that signal manic depression. While the tests cannot directly show the disease, they can assist with an accurate diagnosis.

• 3

  Seek the help of a mental health professional. Start by making an appointment with a psychiatrist familiar with treating bipolar disorder. Treatment for manic depression is lifelong and requires medication and therapy. Oftentimes, a doctor will experiment with various kinds and doses of medicine to find the right one for each individual. Common medications to treat manic depression include Lithium, Depakote and Lamictal.

• 4

  Stick with therapy. It's important to receive the help of a counselor or psychologist familiar with the disease. Therapeutic approaches used to treat bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling and education.

• 5

  Keep track of mood swings. You can accomplish this by writing in a journal or diary every day. Bring the journal with you to appointments with your therapist to discuss progress or your lack thereof. Being able to clearly explain the mood swings, when they happen and what triggers set them off can help the doctors adjust your medication or suggest additional therapies.