Are people who have bipolar disorder able to be independent?!
Question: those who have bipolar disorder, are they capable of being independent? or will they always have to rely on someone to take care of them? or does it just depend on how severe the bipolar disorder is. also, i have another question. do bipolar people have a tendency to drink heavily and experience black outs quite often?
Answers: those who have bipolar disorder, are they capable of being independent? or will they always have to rely on someone to take care of them? or does it just depend on how severe the bipolar disorder is. also, i have another question. do bipolar people have a tendency to drink heavily and experience black outs quite often?
My old psychiatrist (who I loved dearly but was mandated not to communicate with because of unclear reasons) was bipolar and seemed to be living a very independent life- he was brilliant, and although there were a few times where I suspected he might be depressed, he is a successful and VERY helpful doctor, making a difference in the world of mental disorders.
As for the alcoholism, I cannot answer for all bipolar sufferers, but it is a problem for me. I began drinking at 13 years old as a solution to both my depression and mixed feelings, and quickly became addicted. It was my way of finding relaxation and less reservations, but it got way out of control and dangerous when I was already on a "high" from a rise out of the depression to a hypomania. I was ruining myself and really only making the problem worse. I also experimented with various drugs, but did not enjoy them as much as alcohol. It was not a social activity- I mostly drank alone or in the background. I finally quit drinking January 2007 on the anniversary of my horse's death and after being so hungover that I was several hours late feeding my horses. I dealt with severe withdrawal symptoms, including a continuation of bad depression. I have very little self control in either extreme, and I can't describe how difficult it was for me to stay sober as a 15 year old. I finally began medication in May, which alleviated some of the "discomfort" and instability, but the craving of alcohol for comfort and alleviation was still there. I began drinking heavily again in September, in the early stages of a severe depression that would result in a serious suicide attempt. I quit thereafter, and have been fairly successful since, with the exceptional of a few holidays, in strict moderation. The two coincide, I believe- there is no easier cop-out from the stressors of bipolar than getting drunk off your *** and forgetting your morbid, cynical thoughts or heightening your crazy yet darkly mad perception. It's a tough thing for me, and I am sure some others with the disorder can testify to the appeal of drugs and alcohol as self-medication.
Yes, bipolar people can and are very independent. But as you stated, I guess it could depend on the severity of the case. As for drinking, again I think the answer is yes, they do have a tendency to drink more, and possibly drink more heavily. You or someone you know? Either way good luck and get help. Good luck!
Of course they can.............
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression or manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy level and behavior. Everyone has ups and downs, but people with bipolar disorder have higher "highs" and lower "lows." They may repeatedly go from feeling very energetic or extremely irritable to feeling crushing sadness and hopelessness. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness with no cure, but it can be treated.
TREATMENT IS THE Key!
Many people with Bipolar live productive, independent lives. the important thing with this condition is to stay on the medications. Often, they want to stop taking the meds when they are feeling good, which sends them into a tailspin of depression. There are some people who struggle more than others and may require ongoing assistance, but I think that is the exception to the rule.
People with mental illness seem to attempt to self medicate at times with alcohol or other meds. However, alcohol and self medicating with prescription, or non prescription medication can have dire consequences. I dont know of any psychotropic meds that do not list consumption of alcohol as a contraindication due to potential side effects.
Hope this helps.
Most bipolar people live independent, normal lives. It is the exceptionally ill person for whom medications fail to work who may find themselves bouncing in and out of care. Not all bipolar people are alcoholics either. Some are, but they are not the rule and alcoholism is not one of the characteristics of bipolar disorder.
Your questions seem rooted in old myths about bipolar disorder rather than current reality.
Some are totally independent and fully functional with the assistance of meds to control the mood swings.
Yeah, it all depends on the severity of the disorder and whether the person has found a med combo that regulates their moods.
As far as drinking. Please don't assume that we all need/want to self-medicate with alcohol. Some do. Some don't. Just like in society in general.
So pretty much, we are no different than the rest of the population. We just have mood swings that are outside of the "norm". Meds can effectively regulate our moods.
Once we do find an effective combo of meds then its up to us as individuals to start to address whatever individual shortcomings that we all have but were unable to make any headway on due to the disorder.
Bipolar is a very destructive disorder but it can be regulated.