Bipolar II disorder - the road to recovery

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, which used to be known as manic depressive illness, is a disorder that causes mood changes. It is called bipolar because the person exhibits extreme manic behaviors, in which the person is overexcited and extremely happy, impulsive but is then able to switch to the other extreme depressive state. These behaviors could both lead to negative consequences.

Mania can make the person feel and act in strange ways. For instance, it might make the person very jumpy, excited, unable to sleep, talks fast and engages in risky behavior such as huge shopping sprees and impulsive sex.

The Depressive state, when it hits the person, consists of many symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest in many activities, may become suicidal, become worried, feels hopeless and restless etc.

Some people claim that symptoms start appearing in childhood while others experience symptoms in adolescence. It is, nowadays treatable, however, certain lifestyle choices have to be taken as it is a long-term illness.

Bipolar II Disorder

People with Bipolar II disorder may get less high, or manic, than people with Bipolar I, but will experience mood changes like people with Bipolar I

Symptoms of Bipolar II disorder

Symptoms of hypomania, or good/elevated moods, include a sense of euphoria in the person, speaking very fast, changing ideas also extremely fast, high energy, which brings about little sleep. Symptoms are very similar to Bipolar I disorder as outlined above, including high risk and impulsive behavior, but to a lesser extent than true mania.

Depressive moods take place soon after the elevated mood in some people, but others just float from one state to the other and others may simply go back to normal mood after one hits. Depressive symptoms may last for weeks or months, especially if people are not treated.

Care and support

Bipolar II disorder doesn't only affect the person who suffers from it, but also the people around him/her. If you know someone who has this illness, the first thing to do is get him/her some help. These moods may simply keep occurring if treatment is not given. Moreover, help from professionals may give you the emotional support you need to get over this illness.

You can also make some research about the disorder, to see what else you might do that would help the person.

Be patient, supportive and understanding, although it may be exhausting and tiring, it is what the person would need; someone close by who would listen to them. They might be discouraged if they are rejected, and this might prevent them from ever getting better. Treatment and medication alone will not work, the person needs motivation, someone to cheer him/her on.

Moreover, suicidal behavior or thoughts have to be reported immediately. Don’t underestimate their ability to harm themselves when in depressive states.

Treatment and Alternative remedies

Apart from medication, there are also other things people may do to help with this illness. Alternative remedies are natural and experts actually recommend them for everybody.

Diet – What you eat may have effects on your mood and well-being, therefore it is good to avoid certain food which may not help in the recovery process.

Certain food rich in fat and carbohydrates should be avoided. Such food includes red meat, sausages, burgers etc.

Eat a lot of food rich in nutrients such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, low-fat food. These foods will maintain health and prevent diseases.

The American heart Association recommends types of fish to be eaten regularly (once/twice a week) to improve mood. Fish such as Salmon, Mackerel and trout are all good choices.

Alternatively, you could also take fish oil capsules. Scientists believe that fish oil has an important role in brain function, and that omega-3 fatty acids present in fish may play a role in treating bipolar disorder.

Exercise

Exercise also plays a key role in treating many kinds of mental disorders, which does not exclude Bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that exercise improves mood.

Sleep and relax

Mania episodes may hinder people from getting enough sleep, therefore, try to relax and get enough sleep by making it a habit. Relax by listening to soothing music or taking warm baths before bed.

Anxiety is also a key factor in the triggering of mania, therefore, try your best to seek certain relaxing exercises you could do such as yoga or meditation. They enable you to truly focus on relaxing your body.

Avoid caffeine, drugs, alcohol at all costs, they may trigger mania episodes and stimulate the body, making it more difficult to relax.

Mental disorders are extremely common, it is said to hit 1 in 4 people, Bipolar II disorder is one of the many mental disorders that exist. People who have a family member which has Bipolar II disorder are, naturally, more at risk, just like any other illness that exists. Keep in mind though, that there is help out there, so don’t be afraid to reach out for it.