Bipolar Depression – 4 Steps That Will Help Now
We all have had mood highs and lows at times in our lives. Bipolar, however, is characterized by extreme highs and lows (sometimes called manic depressive disorder). Today we will focus on Bipolar Depression, especially that depression which interferes with your day-to-day living. Along this depression continuum would a strong reluctance, or disability, to just get out of bed. At its severest, you may be suicidal.
“This disorder affects about 2 to 3 percent of the population and has one of the highest risks for suicide. Bipolar disorder has four basic subtypes: bipolar I (characterized by at least one manic episode); bipolar II (characterized by hypomanic episodes — which are milder — along with depression); cyclothymic disorder; and other specified bipolar and related disorder”. (Dr. Angelos Halaris, MD, professor of psychiatry and medical director of adult psychiatry at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago)
Here are the helps:
- Set a Sleep Schedule. Depression can make it hard to get enough shut-eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse.
What can you do? Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom — no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.
- Exercise. It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways- especially if you do it with friends. How much exercise do you need? You don’t need to run marathons to get a benefit. Just walking a few times a week can help
- Get together with friends.
Set up your own support group. It doesn’t have to be formal. Just phone or text a friend who knows and understands you and will be there for you.
Remember eat, drink and be merry? Drag yourself to your favorite coffee shop where there is always someone who knows your name. Graduate to dinner with friends.
Join a gym with someone or lots of someones. Or, just meet a new someone there.
- Get to your trusted health professional. People with bipolar disorder are typically treated with drugs called mood stabilizers.
In general, what all this comes down to is the taking control of your life.
This where Counseling on Demand.com comes in. Any member of our team can help you to take that control. It is just a matter of finding that perfect match-client to therapist. It can be done quickly and conveniently.
Read on:
Counseling on Demand’s treatments are tailored to the needs, schedules and limited energy of those in deep, disabling depression.
We are online. No need for you to leave home for help. We can get you going this morning.
That’s us, Counselingondemand.com. You need not go through this alone. You needn’t leave your favorite/private place. Nor must you wait for an appointment. We are always there for you. You can begin in 24 hours or less.
With our support, you can get through these times. Talk Therapy is not just talk. It is the formation of a unique relationship. It’s the relationship itself that heals.
Why online??? Online, you can get help NOW.
Contact us now. Talk to us now- free.
Call, email, text or Skype us on your computer, cell phone or tablet- even on your E-Book
We are just a click away.
