So
you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
What now? What next?
It is important to receive the correct treatment for bipolar disorder as soon as possible in order to alleviate the symptoms of:
- Suicide
- Divorce and relationship issues
- Alienation of your family and friends
- Not being able to function at work or school
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder will be started on medication to stabilize his or her moods and address acute symptoms. Most people are aware of the role that medication plays, but often underestimate the importance of psychotherapy and healthier choices. In order to accept the diagnosis of bipolar disease and manage it in the long run, patients must learn how to cope in healthier ways. Such awareness is difficult to gain without the professional help of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” permits a patient to identify the impact of the disorder on his or her life and to begin recognizing events and thinking patterns that may lead or have led to episodes of illness. This process of therapy occurs within a safe and private setting that is difficult to create otherwise.
While you are still being evaluated and before medication is prescribed, you may want to investigate Self Care. If you are not currently in a crisis or episode, it might be posssible to begin a regimen of Self Care that might lessen your dependence on pharmaceuticals. It can be important to realize that such treatment plans are available to you in the event you do not have health insurance which will make the availability of prescription medications difficult for you. It happens.
Remember you have been diagnosed with a long term treatable disease of the brain. Chances are you already had it for a long time before you were diagnosed. To date there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. It makes sense to know all your options.