Bipolar disorder is considered as a major disorder that can greatly affect an individual and his family. The standard diagnosis is a person who extreme elations that alternates with deep depression, though the degree to which the elation and depression extend varies from patient to patient.
Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression. Generally, it is characterized by depressive episodes, accompanied by a manic episode in a reasonably short time frame, with this series of mood swings repeating in a regular, somewhat predictable fashion.
Bipolar disorder affects feelings, thoughts, behavior, and perceptions. Experts say that it is brought about by the chemical and electrical elements found in the brain, where there are periodic imbalances in creation of seratonin - sometimes the brain produces too much, and depression occurs, and sometimes the brain produces too little, and mania occurs. There appears to be a heritability component - families having a history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses are more prone to having the disorder.
There are certain medications prescribed for bipolar patients. If you suspect you need help of this nature, get a prescription from a clinical psychologist after a sound diagnosis. For alternative treatments for bipolar disorder read further.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #1 - Omega 3
Some studies show that the omega 3 proteins found in fish oils and in certain fish are excellent for bipolar patients, as well as those having mental illnesses. In a significant placebo-controlled study of 30 bipolar patients for four months, comparing omega 3’s efficacy versus olive oil or placebo for the treatment of bipolar disorder, omega 3 performed better and resulted to longer remissions based on the four scales of symptom-severity. Further studies are still underway, and researchers are hoping that they can come up with new classes of psychotropic compounds that can be used as mood stabilizers.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #2 - Herbal
Many people resolve to the use of herbal supplements instead of taking prescribed drug medications; not all herbs are good for the treatment of bipolar disorder. In fact, there are certain herbs that can worsen the condition of a bipolar patient. Some herbal supplements actually have a harmful reaction when used together with certain drugs. Consult your doctor first before taking any herbal medication in conjunction with other drugs.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #3 - Nutrition and Your Diet
Your diet will impact treatment of your bipolar disorder, and this means checking your meal menus everyday. Holistic physicians use b-complex, magnesium, and thiamin for episodes of depression.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #4 - Pastoral Counseling
If you’re suffering from bipolar disorder, talk to someone. Your pastor, priest, or rabbi may be easier to talk to, and less intimidating, than your therapist. The religious community may be of great help during these times. In fact, the theraputic and psychiatric community is recognizes the role of spirituality and prayers in treating mental illness. In can even be included in psychotherapies and medication.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #5 - Art Therapies
If you’re always staying at home, explore expressive therapies. Through the arts, you can express your feelings and do so without inhibitions. You can enroll in a drawing class, sculpting, painting, and many others. Find an appropriate therapist in your area who specializes in art therapies or expressive therapies.
If you want movement, enroll in a dance therapy. Let your feet fly and your spirit soar while incorporating your physical, cognitive, and emotional facets to the dance.
Soothing music can make a person relax. Your body chemicals can be stimulated to improve blood pressure and flow, breathing, pulse rate, and changes in posture.
Bipolar Disorder Alternative Treatment #6 - Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicines or the culturally based ones like shiatsu, reiki, acupuncture, yoga, Ayurveda, talking circles, and sweat lodge can also work. All these healing arts are based on balancing the states of the physical, spiritual, and emotional for the wellness of an individual. If the forces in your body are imbalanced, you will likely get an illness.
If all these things are combined: omega 3, herbal, right diet, pastoral counseling, art therapies, and traditional healing arts, perhaps the forces of the body can be balanced and a bipolar patient can be treated effectively. But remember to consult your doctor for any problems that you may encounter, and don’t just stop your prescribed medication; and talk to your doctor about other alternative medication.
Bipolar Disorder Uncovered
Rick Seager was diagnosed with bipolar disorder several years ago but he was determined not to let it take control of his life. So he fought back and has gone on to become the bestselling author of the ebook ‘Bipolar Disorder Uncovered‘
In this new Bipolar Disorder book you will learn how to cope with the ups and downs of Bipolar Disorder so you can get back to living a normal life again.
Check out Rick’s website for more details.
