For anybody familiar with the condition known as
bipolar 2 , you will probably know how difficult and
distressing the condition can be. Bipolar 2 disorder is
a condition most commonly characterised by at least one
hypomanic (happy) episode and one major depressive
episode. Firstly, what is bipolar 2 ? - Bipolar 2
disorder, is a type of mental illness that is very
similar to bipolar 1 disorder. Typically, persons
suffering from bipolar 2 will experience severe mood
swings and changes, alternating from periods of extreme
lows, to highs over time. The only real difference
between bipolar 1 and 2 is that in bipolar 2, the person
suffering from the condition will never experience what
is known as full on "mania" type highs. The less-intense
elevated moods in bipolar 2 disorder are known as
"hypomania" or hypomanic episodes. Generally, people
suffering from bipolar 2 disorder will have, or will
experience at least one hypomanic episode in their life.
Unfortunately, people suffering from this condition also
suffer spells of depression, sometimes quite severe.
This is where the term "manic depression" comes from.
What are the symptoms of bipolar 2 ? - Although bipolar
2 is thought to be generally less severe than bipolar 1,
it is still an extremely serious medical condition and
there are a number of symptoms to look for if you
believe that you, or somebody you know, may be suffering
from bipolar 2 disorder. People suffering from bipolar 2
usually have an elevated mood, irritability and notice
some small changes in everyday functions. Instead of
full-blown mania, in which persons can become hysterical
and uncontrollable, those afflicted will instead
experience hypomania episodes like we spoke about
earlier. These are much less severe changes in mood but
still just as serious. In bipolar 2, spells of
depression can typically last for much longer than
periods of hypomania. Bipolar 2 treatments - In bipolar
2, hypomania can actually disguise itself as feelings of
joy, happiness or even optimism. If this hypomania is
not causing any obvious signs of unhealthy or unnatural
behaviour, it can often go undiagnosed, and as such,
will obviously not be treated. This is a stark contrast
to true mania type episodes, which can result in a
person or persons becoming seriously injured, both
physically and psychologically. True mania type episodes
require treatment via specially designed medicines.
Those suffering from bipolar 2 disorder can greatly
benefit from preventive drugs designed to stabilize
their mood over the long term. These drugs have been
made to help prevent the negative side effects of
hypomania, and can also help to prevent spells of
depression. Mood stabilizers are also a great treatment
when dealing with bipolar 2 disorder. Lithium, Depakote,
Lamictal, Tegretol and Trileptal, are some of the more
commonly prescribed drugs when dealing with this
terrible condition. Anti-psychotics, anti-depressants
and even tranquilizers have also been proven to help
treat bipolar 2. There are things that can be done at
home to help combat the affects of bipolar 2. Changes in
diet, such as eating healthier, fresher foods and
drinking more water have all been recommended. Try to
get a good night's sleep and not over work yourself. All
of these seemingly small changes can make a big, big
difference. Bipolar 2 support - Finally, if you think
that you, or somebody you know, may be suffering from
bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder then it is urgent that
you seek medical help and advice as soon as possible.
There are a number of books, forums, experts and help
lines out there, all designed to give you all the care,
support, help and advice that you could ever need.
Remember, you are not alone, thousands upon thousands of
others are suffering from this same condition and you
and your loved ones can still lead a perfectly normal
everyday life. I wish you good luck and good health for
the future.
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