Insight into manic depression

Insight into manic depression Information and support for residents of Cambridgshire and Peterborough få é~êíåÉêëÜáé ïáíÜ íÜÉ råáîÉêëáíó çÑ `~ãÄêáÇÖÉ...
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Insight into manic depression Information and support for residents of Cambridgshire and Peterborough

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What is manic depression ? Manic depression, now often known as bipolar disorder, is a disorder of mood. About one person in 100 is affected by manic depression. It can cause excessive swings of mood from extreme depression (a 'low') to elation and hyperactivity (a 'high' or hypomain). Mania is a severe 'high'. The moods associated with manic depression are much more pronounced than everyday ups and downs. No two people have exactly the same pattern of highs and lows and they do not necessary alternate between them.

This leaflet provides an introduction to manic depression and directs you to sources of information and support.

For example, you can have several highs in a row. Some people may move from a high to a low very quickly (rapid cycling). The causes of manic depression are not fully known. It is suggested there is a genetic component. There may also be biochemical factors and environmental causes. The good news is that mood disorders are among the most responsive to treatment.

What are the signs ? The condition can vary considerably between people. Common symptoms of low mood are the same as for depression in general:

• • • •

Disturbed sleep and tiredness Changes to appetite and weight Lack of concentration Morbid sadness, possibly with thoughts of self-harm or suicide • Loss of confidence and self esteem • Lack of energy or motivation, which may interfere with work or everyday activities .

In a high, symptoms may be:

• Elevated mood, hyperactivity and irritability • Inflated self-esteem, perhaps with delusions of being a special person • Poor judgement, possibly including irrational spending or unwise relationships • A sense that life has special meaning

The danger with a high is that you may not realise you are unwell until the symptoms become severe. It is possible to have high and low symptoms at the same time. This is called a 'mixed state'.

What next ?

Self-help

A range of support is available. Different resources may help you.

There are a number of ways you can help yourself. You may find it helpful to:

Medication The majority of people with manic depression are likely to need medication. Mood stabilisers, such as Lithium, Carbamazepine and Sodium Valproate are commonly prescribed. Anti-depressants (to control a low) and anti-psychotics (to control a high) are also often used where needed. Like all medicines, these may cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss this with you.

• Keep a daily record of your feelings • Learn to recognise early warning signs • Talk to people - if you feel you cannot speak to those close to you, call a helpline or attend a self-help group. It may help to talk to others in the same situation as you • Write down your preferences for future care and treatment and share this with others so they know how to help you.

Talking or psychological therapies These involve talking and listening with a trained therapist, who will not judge you. They may be beneficial in helping you to understand and manage manic depression, but for some people they arouse unpleasant emotions. This can be difficult to cope with. Your doctor can discuss this with you.

You can request talking therapies regardless of medication or other treatments. Some doctors have access to counselling within their surgery. NHS talking therapies are free but they may not be available locally or there may be a waiting list. Your doctor may refer you to a voluntary organisation or you can approach one yourself.

Complementary or alternative therapies These cover a range of treatments. Many people with manic depression have found therapies such as yoga, aromatherapy and massage helpful. However, any activity that relaxes you and makes you feel good about yourself can be beneficial. It is important you discuss complementary treatments with your doctor prior to use and that you advise him/her of the results.

"I've had stretches of several years with no illness at all, and times where things have been constantly spiralling out of control. Life's a rollercoaster, and I can't get off"

"It was chaotic and painful at first, but now I have learned to manage much better"

Other sources of information

Support for carers

Local self-help / voluntary organisations

MDF the Bipolar Organisation (see previous column) welcomes carers.

MDF (formerly the Bipolar Organisation, runs local self-help groups) T 0845 634 0540

Rethink - Peterborough Carer Support Services T 01733 843344

Bowthorpe Centre (Wisbech) T 01945 582840

Huntingdon Carers' Support Project T 01480 420617

Lifecraft (Cambridge) T 01223 566957

Making Space - Cambridgeshire Carer Support Services T 0773 8148277

Peterborough and Fenland Mind T 01733 758211

Hilltop Day and Carers' Centre T 01223 712056

Hunts Mind (St Neots) T 01480 470480

Young Carers' Project

Cambridgeshire Independent Advocacy Service: Cambridge - 01223 218500 Fenland - 01354 652445 Huntingdon - 01480 454777 Peterborough - 01733 758278 Age Concern Mental Health Advocacy Service T 01354 696541

Cambridge - 01223 712072 Huntingdon - 0845 241 2145 Peterborough - 01733 342683 / 311016

Telephone helplines Lifeline (Evening Mental Health helpline) T 01223 521521 - 7pm-11pm - 365 days NHS Direct (for confidential health information and advice) T 0845 4647 - 24 hours - 365 days Websites www.cpft.nhs.uk (for information about mental health and services provided by CPFT) www.mentalhealth.huntsmind.org. uk (for information about other mental health services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

This leaflet was produced by people with personal experience of manic depression and organisations to support them.

For information about Trust services or to raise an issue or concern, contact PALS on 0800 376 0775 or [email protected]

February 2010

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