How often do we know or live with someone that we describe as having "mood swings" or blow it off as “hormonal.” especially for a female? However, it can easily be a male or even a child. Most times the “mood swings” bring on anger and frustration not only for the person affected by it but also for those closest to them . . . because we are not educated and informed as to the causes and possible treatments. If you find you’re making excuses too often for yourself or a family member, have them seen by a mental-health professional: mood swings and difficult behavior are hallmarks of bipolar disorder, and you can’t diagnose and treat this yourself.
Educate yourself if you suffer or live with someone who may have signs of this illness. They describe the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder–formerly known as Manic Depression for the “manic” phase where they feel exhilarating periods of heightened physical and mental energy. The manic phase of Bipolar Disorder can last for days or even weeks, and can spin out of control into a delusional state. Sometimes people in the manic phase get huge amounts of work done – they can be quite productive . . . . or they can go on huge shopping or partying sprees. They may also feel exaggerated optimism, grandiose delusions, aggressive behavior, increased irritability, racing speech, impulsiveness, poor judgment, reckless behavior, and distractibility. And this is just for one of the disorder’s disturbing phases.
Learn all the symptoms, which include the "depression phase": appetite and sleep changes, morbid thoughts, impaired concentration, loss of interest, and slower motor skills. Bipolar Disorder is cyclical, which means that these manic and depressive stages alternate with normal periods. Most people who struggle with Bipolar Disorder do enter into normal periods of mood, functioning, and behavior. When I met my girlfriend I was not aware that she indeed did suffer from this mental disorder. She did not appear to have been born with Bipolar Disorder, but developed this mental state at the birth of her son. At first she was misdiagnosed and was almost overdosed with incorrect drugs until being treated by her current doctor, who has been treating her ever since.
Get yourself as much help and support as you can, just as you would with any other illness or issue in your life. I attended a support group called the “Journey of Hope”, where I learned an awful lot. It gives you a whole new perspective because it is challenging to live happily in a family with a member who suffers from this illness. Of course there is treatment for this disorder, as long as they follow the doctor’s order and take their medications. My girlfriend, as many others have, decided she didn’t want to be on meds the rest of her life and went off them on her own. Needless to say, she crashed and ended up back in the hospital. If you were a diabetic who had to take daily shots to survive the rest of your life, you would not want to risk your life by quitting your meds. It is just as important to maintain a stable mental state of mind. Be sure you have a very good, trustworthy doctor and trust in the treatment prescribed.
Check with your local hospital for support groups that can help you better understand and live with this mental health disorder. I do recommend looking up the Journey of Hope. They are very helpful and you always feel the comfort of knowing you are not alone.
