Manic Depression

Manic depression describes two different mood swings and manic depression is also known as bipolar disorder. Manic depression sufferers go at least a week on very high manic episodes followed by very low depression episodes. Rarely in the normal range for long those with manic depression fluctuate between these two extreme moods. Like other depression disorders, manic depression is heavily influenced by heredity and physical chemistry along with certain personality traits. Call National Referral today to find out more about a facility that can help you or a loved one treat manic depression.

Interrupting cycles between episodes of depression and mania often takes a combination of medications and therapy. National Referral can help direct you to a program that will address your particular needs. Therapeutic settings can be very effective in dealing with the symptoms of depression such as helplessness, hopelessness, negative thinking, irrational ideas, self-criticism and shame. Depression often leads to thoughts of death, suicide and loneliness and regret can weigh heavily on the sufferer.

Manic episodes are the extreme opposite. A manic episode can last as long as the depression, a week or more. During this time the individual with manic depression is often euphoric, cheerful and has great self-esteem. A manic episode is characterized by little need for sleep, speaking rapidly and frequently and is easily distracted. Those suffering with mania find that their mind races uncontrollably with thoughts and they often find themselves seeking pleasurable activities to the extreme.

Many individuals in a mania phase will shop excessively, racking up high debt. They may be extremely generous buying things for others or even strangers. Others seek pleasure through sexual exploits and may have several partners in a short amount of time during their mania episode. These episodes continued to be followed by an extended mood swing into depression, then normal for a short time, then often depressed again before skyrocketing to the mania phase again.

Call National Referral if you or a loved one needs help treating manic depression. Effective treatment can help with self-observation and evaluation, build self-esteem, finding a purpose and create positive decision making behaviors that will reshape your future. Medications can effectively address chemical imbalances that cause manic depression while cognitive-behavioral therapy will shape emotions, communication skills and new ways of thinking.