| When friends or family members are diagnosed with | | | | occurrences, such as being late for scheduled |
| mental illness, it can be difficult for people to know how | | | | appointments or meetings, disorganized thoughts in |
| to react around them. Manic depression is a brain | | | | conversation. People taking medications for manic |
| disorder that affects a person's mood, causing | | | | depression may be slightly more excitable, hyper or |
| extreme highs and lows which are far more | | | | scattered. Medications can be adjusted to decrease |
| pronounced than regular ups and downs most people | | | | these behaviors. It may be helpful to talk to the |
| experience regularly. Manic depression is also known | | | | person's therapist or doctor, as the patient and mental |
| as bipolar disorder. It can be treated and controlled | | | | health professional may be unaware this is happening. |
| through therapy at a mental health center and | | | | Education |
| prescription medication. | | | | Learn about the illness. The more someone knows |
| Here are a few tips to help others cope with their | | | | about manic depressive disorder, the better equipped |
| illness. | | | | they will be to help out loved ones on a daily basis. |
| Be supportive | | | | This includes learning the warning signs when someone |
| Encourage your friend or family member to keep all | | | | is off their medication or not receiving the proper |
| therapy appointments and follow medical advice. | | | | dosage. |
| Simple things, such as giving them a ride if they are not | | | | Healthy Habits |
| able to drive, may relieve some stress and pressure. | | | | People suffering from bipolar disorder can improve |
| Gentle reminders about taking proper dosage of | | | | their physical and mental health by eating properly and |
| medication will help keep them on track. Offering | | | | participating in physical activity. This will help in mood |
| kindness and support during stressful situations will help | | | | stabilization. Following any type of regimen is easier |
| in treatment. | | | | when someone else is doing it as well. This may be a |
| Be Patient | | | | good time to reevaluate the eating and drinking habits |
| While this may be difficult over the long term, it is | | | | of everyone in the household. Take the time to go for |
| important to let the little things go. Rather than showing | | | | walks or visit the gym. Encourage your loved one to |
| frustration at annoying behaviors, it is best to take a | | | | develop regular sleeping habits and do not upset this |
| deep breath and not agitate the person affected by | | | | cycle by planning activities or waking them up with |
| bipolar disorder. This may include everyday | | | | excess noise. |