Bipolar Disorder

Everyone hates them and not one wants to go to support groups.  But, think about why that is.  Is it too hard for you to do? Do you hate admitting that something could be wrong?  Perhaps you are like one of the many that actually find themselves struggling with the need to surround yourself with others that face the same challenges that you do.

The bottom line is that support groups do help and that they commonly can help to increase your quality of life and help you to realize what you are up against.

Learning to cope with bipolar disorder is not easy but it is challenging.  It is something that you can learn to do.  In fact, one of the best ways to do this is to work with others that are facing the same situations that you are. 

Support groups offer that type of care, something that your family and friends can not give you nor can your doctor.  Being around others that are struggling with the same problems you are struggling with, gives you hope, understanding and even a sense of peace.

Who Is Your Support Group?

Learning about support groups is vitally important.  Who is in yours depends on your family make up and even those that are striving to provide you with the care that you need. 

Right now, you probably have a family that is helping to support your needs.  You also have a health care team that is there to provide you with medical assistance.  This includes everyone from your family doctor to the psychiatrist that you’ve poured your heart out to.

Friends should make up part of your support group too.  Many don’t want to provide personal information about themselves such as their bipolar disorder, but the fact is that you should.  A true friend stays by you and helps you to cope as well as offers you the support you need in all times of your life. 

Consider telling those that you love what is happening to you.  It can only benefit you.  What’s more, it can help people to understand the way that you react and the moods that you go through, making you a better friend to them.

Outside Support

While having your family around you will improve your well being and will offer the help that you need, you should consider additional help through outside support groups as well.

Professional groups that meet to discuss bipolar disorder are found in many hospitals, recreation centers and in various psychiatric facilities.  To find one that is located near you, ask your doctor for suggestions.  They may have one that is tailored to your specific needs in mind for you to choose to got to based on your situation.

These support groups provide professional attention that can be guided by you.  For example, several people that have the same disorder as you do can come together with a moderator.  By sharing the ins and outs of your day with others, you help them to improve their life as much as you’ll help yourself to do the same.

Bipolar disorder is a condition where isolation leads to worsening symptoms.  A therapy group will provide you with the needs that you have in meeting others that have your same symptoms.  It helps you to know that others out there are going through the same things that you are.  It is excellent help in realizing that you aren’t alone in what you are facing.

If that is still not enough to get you to a support group, the fact that many of those that do attend them actually find a reduction in their symptoms should!  By being able to talk about your stresses and your problems, you increase the amount of time between your episodes of mood swings. 

Not only will you be getting benefits from outside support group members, but you also provide them to others.  No one else can understand the frustration of not being able notice your mood swings. 

No one else can feel the frustration of feeling down and depressed and not knowing why.  And, no one else can understand fully the problems with taking medications and the sheer fact that you’ll live with bipolar disorder for the rest of your life. 

By utilizing support from both your family and friends and outside support groups, you can gain a level of understanding and benefit.  Bipolar disorder may be holding you against your will, but with support from outside sources, you can fight against the effect that it has on your daily and long term life.