Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder - episodes of mania.

Any discussion of the process of bipolar disorder and mania cannot be entirely divorced from a discussion of the depressive response. Within any episode of mania lurks the possibility, the likelihood of impending depression. There are certain techniques and exercises which I have identified while dealing with my own periods of bipolar disorder mania which help temper the mania and thereby lessen the impact and severity of the subsequent depressive response. It is essential that you have read my article on Emotional Thought Stopping and are familiar with the concept and my suggestions for its use, before you attempt this exercise.

I assume that if you are reading this in order to help temper your periods of bipolar disorder mania that this is not your first episode. Look back at your previous situation just prior to those episodes and see if you can identify if there was some event which triggered the episode and begin to identify how you felt at the start of the episode. It is important to be able to recognize these periods as early as possible so that you can begin this tempering exercise before it reaches a crisis stage. This is especially true if you begin your episodes with a euphoric feeling.

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Theory

I have not always been able to identify a specific event which immediately preceded my bipolar disorder manic episodes, as many times they start as a heightened awareness with increased energy and a euphoric feeling. I think that the episodes are a response to a buildup of stress over time and that the increased energy and awareness are meant to enable us to combat that which causes us stress, it is up to our conscious mind as to how to utilize this increased energy and awareness.

Unfortunately our conscious mind does not understand the processes of the depressive response and we are seldom able to exercise control over that which causes us stress. Consequently our conscious mind many times misuses or misdirects the increased energy and awareness of mania to a point where we may go on shopping sprees, spend food money to buy lotto tickets, or try to make a killing in the stock market. We do things which at the time seem logical and will solve our problems but in retrospect were illogical and ill conceived. As the process advances it is possible that the euphoria is circumvented and we progress directly into a frenzied hyperactive state which may cycle quickly between periods of mania and the depressive response.

This theory presupposes that there is a purpose, a function, even a logic behind the depressive response and episodes of bipolar disorder mania. I believe this to be true, unfortunately due to the constant and unnatural stress our modern society places on many of our people we are stressed beyond the point that our biological processes have the capacity to mediate and these natural functions become maladaptive and dysfunctional.

The basic premise of this exercise for tempering our bipolar disorder mania is that it is possible to utilize the energy of mania, anger, and despair towards a therapeutic end. Traditionally, before I learned to control my mania and depressive episodes, the periods would utilize the energy of mania, anger, and despair toward a frenzied, bazaar, and suicidal state culminating in a major depressive episode. Since I have learned the mechanisms of control these periods have been used to gain insight into the depressive response, do extensive research, and write the pages of this web site, among other things. Of course I don't expect everyone to focus this energy on writing web pages concerning the depressive response. But the focus does need to be something which is therapeutic and I suggest when you first begin that you choose a cognitive based self-help program.

There are four areas of concentration or activities which will become your focus during this exercise, depending on how you are doing at any one particular time.

1. A cognitive behavioral based self help program.

It is best to become familiar with the basic concepts and procedures of the cognitive self-help program before you find yourself in a bipolar mania crisis.

2. A creative endeavor.

This might include writing, painting, poetry, pottery, sculpture, wood working, etc.

3. Exercise.

Including aerobics, a stationary bicycle, or activities which help us focus such as yoga or ti-che. In lieu of physical exercise, relaxation exercises may be helpful.

4. A back-up plan.

Someone to call in case you lose control and need to talk it out. Possibly a supportive friend or family member, your therapist, a crisis help line, the local hospital. Find the phone numbers ahead of time and make sure you have a plan for weekends and holidays.

Bipolar Disorder, Stay Focused

I can only relate to you what goes on in my mind during an episode of bipolar disorder mania, your experience may be different, but I think that if you do not concentrate on what causes your particular pain, and instead concentrate on the basic process, that which we all have in common during an episode, you will benefit from this exercise.

As the episode progresses my mind is racing so fast that it is hard to focus on any one subject. I begin by, let us say writing this article, as my mind switches to possibly the next article I am considering writing, I go with that thought, write notes on any insight or ideas I come up with, and then refocus on this present article. I make a concentrated effort to return to the original task. Your focus will be on the cognitive self help program. You do not concentrate on your life problems, anger, despair, others, or events that have caused you pain. If you find it impossible to remain focused on the self help program, clear your mind by exercising or try a relaxing exercise. Then return to the cognitive self help program.

When I am in the throngs of a full blown episode I begin to have major mood swings sometimes as often as two or three times a day. I moderate these rapid cycles by focusing on therapeutic endeavors and staying grounded in reality during the highs of bipolar disorder mania, and I use emotional thought stopping to protect myself from disparaging and suicidal thoughts during the lows when I experience the depressive response.

I find that I do a lot of pacing back and forth when things get intense. I have identified this as an obsessive compulsive reaction which I have to monitor closely. Pacing and other obsessive compulsive acts are repetitive, mind numbing acts which the biological unconscious uses to block out stress. These acts may include excessive nail biting, pacing, rocking back and forth, hair twirling, counting something over and over again, arranging and rearranging articles, singing and humming or saying the same thing over and over, and to some extent mindless surfing the internet with no purpose, and repetitive games such as solitaire.

All of these repetitive acts where you put your mind on hold, are highly addictive and can become disorders in their own right. They are very difficult to correct. If you find yourself doing anything over and over in a mind numbing way, stop that act and begin exercising. The way to keep a repetitive exercise from becoming a substitute for an obsessive compulsive reaction is to think of something therapeutic as you exercise. I continue to pace, but I now use it as a form of exercise, I am very animated when I do so, and I make sure I am using my mind to solve my problems at the same time.

Bipolar Disorder, Page 2

Bipolar Disorder Links to Helpful Web Sites.

• Bipolar Disorder, About.com
• Pendulum Bipolar Disorder Resources
• Mental Health Net bipolar disorder resources
• Dr. Ivan's Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) page.
• A Bipolar Disorder Guide for Patients and Families
• Bipolar Disorder WWW links