Bipolar disorder also called manic depression affects 1 in every 100 adults in the world. Men and women are affected equally and it requires a long term treatment. The treatment for bipolar disorder is different for different people depending on the type of disorder they have. Keeping track of your daily mood graph and wellness plan is very important to get better. There are 3 types of bipolar disorders based on its severity- Mania, Hypomania & Cyclothymia, where the latter is a milder form of bipolar disorder and hence is the best and easy stage to be monitored and treated.

Symptoms

·         Extreme Sadness and unexplained crying spells

·         Lack of interest in food

·         Recurring anxieties

·         Running empty & always low in energy

·         Inability to take decisions

·         Unexplained pains & aches in the body

·         Feeling suicidal

 

Treatment
3 types of therapy have shown results on people with bipolar disorder.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy where you learn how your body and mind respond to different situations and try to change negative thinking patterns and behaviours into more positive ways of responding.

2. Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Cycle where the main focus is to regularize your circadian rhythms by setting a particular time for sleeping, eating, exercising and socializing.

3. Family Focused Therapy where the family members supporting the patient are exposed to set protocols that will help them talk and behave in a way that makes the patient feel secure and loved.

There are also other complementary therapies like meditation, acupuncture, light and dark therapy, etc. that help improve the mental stability of such patients.
Other lifestyle changes that have also proven to help:

·         Avoid travelling frequently on other time zones

·         Take medications regularly & never miss out on your appointments with the physician

·         Ensure you get the same number of hours of sleep everyday

·         Limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake

·         Eat a healthy & balanced diet with no processed food

 

References:
http://www.helpguide.org/artic les/bipolar-disorder/bipolar- disorder-treatment.htm

http://www.health.com/health/g allery/0,,20306885,00.html