Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Doctors think that bipolar disorder is caused by stress. Others believe that it's a mental illness that you can treat with medicine.

You first need to talk to an adult about it, or even call the police, because suicide is NOT the answer. You need to be there for your friend, and let him know that you will never leave him and that you want to help. Help him by setting up an appointment with his doctor to see if he may need some medications or not, or even counseling. If he does need that, then offer to go with him :) Write him a note every so often and tell him how much you really mean to him and what good friends you are. Make a deal with him. So you two come up with a plan that you both agree on that when he feels like killing himself, you guys will have a back up plan and an emergency plan if needed. The worst thing to do is leave him alone and then he will feel like no one cares and then he would try and kill himself. We wouldn't want that at all. Do fun stuff together that you really enjoy doing, just the two of you, or a whole bunch of friends, but make sure he doesn't get left out. If he has to take medicine, check in with him to make sure that he is taking it when he is suppose to. All I can say is to just be there for him, and that is the best thing you can do for someone who wants to kill themselves. Believe me, I should know.

Definitely talk with them about it. Attention is something that some people have trouble with in relationships and some don't. The level of attention required by a person in a relationship is different for everyone. That is why communication is so important. Anytime there is a problem always talk with your partner in a calm manner. "I think we should hang out tonight." Make suggestions that would get you the attention that you want. Don't demand it from them. "Why don't you ever pay attention to me?" That will make your partner feel like you're attacking them and automatically put them on the defense, cause an argument and probably lead to you getting less attention. Always be calm.

Depends upon symptoms, subtype of diagnosis, longevity and response to treatment.

It appears that every personality disorder has been balled-up into one wad of "narcissism". Narcissism is hard to distinquish and personally, I hate labels. It has got to be the "new word" in modern society because I hear it a lot. The truth! There have always been self-centered, abusive, or pig-headed, bullies out there and it isn't always tagged as Narcissistic behavior. Here is a good place to go to see if you have a personality disorder (BEWARE! We all can fall into some of these situations in our lives, but if it's continuous then we must seek out help.) www.med.nyu.edu/psch/screens/pds.html NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER (NPD) Traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition. MARCY'S NOTE: Many can fall into this catagory. Look out there in the business world. It's "dog eat dog world" so, it causes people to become crafty, sneaky, observant to a fault and the fight is on to be one step ahead of bosses, over-zealous supervisors, etc. Does this mean you are Narcissistic? Nope. Unless you are mean, miserable, pick people apart, then you are doing what comes naturally ... survival! Narcissism is one of a "family" of personality disorders (formerly known as "Cluster B".) 75% of narcissists are men. NPD is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders ("co-morbidity) or with substance abuse, or impulsive and reckless behaviors ("dual diagnosis.) THERE IS ONLY SCANT RESEARCH REGARDING NARCISSISM (So I rest my case when I say, "be careful who you label as a Narcissist." It is estimated that 0.7-1% of the general population suffer from NPD. (NOTE: I don't like stats and find them way out of range as they take a small cluster of people and that's where stats come from.) Pathological Narcissism was first described in detail by Freud. Other major contributors are: Klein, Horney, Kohut, Kernberg, Millon, Roningstam, Gunderson and Hare. The onset of narcissism is in infancy, childhood and early adolescence. It is commonly attributed to childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents, authority figures, or even peers. There is a whole range of Narcissistic reactions -- from the mild, reactive and transient to the permanent personality disorder. NPD is treated in talk therapy (psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral). The prognosis for an adult Narcissist is poor, though his/her adaption to life and to others can improve with treatment. Medication is applied to side-effects and behaviors (such as mood or affect disorders and obsession-compulsion) - usually with some success. TRAITS OF A NARCISSIST: Feels grandiose and self-important (eg. exaggerates achievements and talents to a point of lying, demands to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.) Is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited success, fame, fearsome power or omnipotence, unequalled brilliance, bodily or sexual performance, or ideal, everylasting, all-conquering love or passion. Firmly convinced that he or she is unique and, being special, can only be understood by, should only be treat by, or associate with, other special or unique, or high-status people (or institutions.) Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation or, failing that, wishes to be feared and to be notorious (narcissistic supply.) Feels entitled. Expects unreasonable or special and favorable priority treatment. Demands automatic and full compliance with his/her expectations. Is interpersonally exploitative. ie: uses others to achieve his or her own ends. Devoid of empathy. Is unable or unwill int identify with or acknowledge the feelings and needs of others. (PLEASE NOTE FROM MARCY: HEART MEDICATIONS AND SSRI'S AMONG OTHER MEDICATIONS CAN GIVE THE SAME DEVOID EMPATHY IN SOME PATIENTS. Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about him/her. Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes coupled with rage when frustrated, contradicted, or confronted. NOTE: This info came from the American Psychiatric Assoc. (2000) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition. Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Assoc. HOW TO HANDLE A NARCISSIST: Never disagree with Narcissist or contradict him/her Never offer him/her any intimacy Looked awed by whatever attribute matters to him/her (eg: by his/her professional achievements, good looks or success with women/men and so on. Never remind him of life out there and if you do, connect it somehow to his sense of grandiosity. Do not make any comment, which might directly or indirectly impinge on his/her self-imagine, omnipotence, judgment, omniscience, skills, capabilities, professional record, or even omnipresence. Bad sentences start with: "I think you overlooked ... made a mistake here .. you don't know ... do you know .. you were not here yesterday so .. you cannot .. you should ... (perceived as rude imposition, Narcissists react very badly to restrictions placed on their freedom.) MARCY'S COMMENT: If you suspect a person you first meet is Narcissistic then stay away! Why should the rest of us tread on egg shells and have to agree constantly or be aware of our freedom of thoughts (we can agree to disagree) so it's best to leave these types of people to their own. Funny, do you ever see one Narcissistic person with another Narcissistic person? Never! Hope this information helps some of you. Marcy NOTE FROM MARCY: As we see our own governments rule our countries (I am Canadian) does perhaps the word "Narcissistic" come from them? He, he! Me thinks so!

This is strictly arm-chair psychology and there could be other reasons this person is the way they are. Usually when people act this way there can be many reasons: depression, pre-menopausal, menopausal (50's plus); problems at home or they are power hungry and use it to their best advantage. I was stunned to learn while I was working that some employers actually love these types of people because they see it as a person that is climbing the ladder, doesn't patronize with other co-workers and thus has their nose to grind-stone.

Be smart. Ask the person out for coffee or a drink. You probably think I'm on Crack, but I did this once. I had worked with a girl that drove me crazy and was meaner than a rattle snake on a cold day. I asked her out for a drink after work. Well, I was stunned to see how many problems this woman had. In a calm voice I did give her a little advice and told her that she couldn't keep up this behavior or there would be complaints from others to the boss. She did seek help for her problems and she was was a totally different person at work. If you try this method and she refuses to go out for a drink with you then it's time to go into her boss and tell him/her you have tried in earnest to get along with this person, but they are so miserable they are distracting and it's affecting your work. If nothing is done about this person then start looking for another job (take your time of course) and tell NO ONE you are looking for work. In Canada a letter has to be given to an employee as a warning and they have 2 chances and 3 strikes you're out! I am not sure how this applies in the U.S.

Just to make you feel a little better ... I went for my drivers license 5 years ago and got this woman from hell! I was pleasant to her, but she was so miserable and really went at me. Out loudly she said, "How much do you weigh?" (she did it on purpose.) I had to giggle because two things I have no problems with is telling the truth about my age or weight. She had shouted it out so loud that other people began to notice and without blinking an eye I raised my voice and said "Mmmm, let me think here .... about 30 lbs. less than you!" She was caught off guard and although her demeanour didn't change she was brisk in filling out the paperwork, taking my picture and I was gone! Now the kicker to this story was I went back after another 5 years and got the same woman!!! What are my chances. LOL I was prepared! She SMILED at me and lo and behold she remembered me and leaned over and said exactly this, "I owe you the greatest apology. I am so sorry I was so mean to you when you came in before. I am now on hormone replacement for my menopause and feel great!" She even went the extra round to be sure she got a good picture of me for my driver's license. Thank heavens because I looked like a deranged monkey in the other photo. LOL The reason I told you this story is although it's not right to take your private life out on others we are only human and, sometimes one can. I go by rule of thumb and know there is a reason some people can be miserable and unhappy and sometimes I try to make them laugh or, if shopping I'll say, "Bad day? Seems to be a lot of that going on lately." Before I know it over 3/4 of these people are practically telling me their life's story or at least get a good giggle out of our conversation. So, before you condemn this person try asking them out for a drink or even lunch and see what's up. It may just work.

1. Depression of spirits; a gloomy state continuing a considerable time; deep dejection; gloominess. --Shak. 2. Great and continued depression of spirits, amounting to mental unsoundness; melancholia. 3. Pensive maditation; serious thoughtfulness. [Obs.]

``Hail, divinest Melancholy !'' --Milton. 4. Ill nature. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Melancholy \Mel"an*chol*y\, a.

1. Depressed in spirits; dejected; gloomy dismal. --Shak. 2. Producing great evil and grief; causing dejection; calamitous; afflictive; as, a melancholy event. 3. Somewhat deranged in mind; having the jugment impaired. [Obs.]

--Bp. Reynolds. 4. Favorable to meditation; somber. A pretty, melancholy seat, well wooded and watered. --Evelin. Syn: Gloomy; sad; dispirited; low-spirited; downhearted; unhappy; hypochondriac; disconsolate; heavy, doleful; dismal; calamitous; afflictive.

If you are bipolar and you are in the army you receive medical treatment and progressive phsycological treatment too.

You are treated like a normal person for you do not tell your peers you are

bipolar.

You must have your meds, pay attention to your way of life 24 hours.

You have to act naturally to be treated likewise.

Cab you be a little more specific please. Depression is only a medical term

No one knows the mechanism of action for Lithium, Depakote, or any of the other mood stabilizers. All that's known is they usually work, although not as well in every patient.

yes they probably would as they would think that because you tried to kill yourself that you do not care about your child....

Depression is a risk factor for stroke but depression does not cause stroke per se.

Any medication that is intended to treat depression is called an anti-depressant, and there are lots of anti-depressants. If you need one, your doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe one for you.

Bipolars have a lot of problems with other people, especially when they don't know what is happening. Bipolars can be very moody and unpredictable, and other people often think that they are rude. They are impulsive, and will do things like interrupt you in the middle of your conversation with someone else, or phone at 3am just to chat. Having a bipolar person as a friend means that you need to learn to set firm boundaries and tell them very quickly when their behavior has crossed over.

Teens and adolescents with bipolar disorder have been known for turning uncontrollably violent within seconds of hugging you to show their thanks for your support. Things can turn ugly almost instantly with irrational outbursts and relentless attempts to harm others or even themselves.

Other severe or dangerous Bipolar Behavior can manifest in violent verbal abuse, bullying or cruelty to animals, self-mutilation and other self-destructive behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse.

I don't agree with the above statement, as a person with bipolar disorder- You cycle through high and lows. High moods you will seek out people for social contact, you feel that you have no inhibitions and often leads to sexual promiscuity. You don't think about your actions and what consequences are, for example spending money freely without a thought of paying bills. I don't see the violence, but I do see irritability

It can be, however, once an alcoholic - always an alcoholic. In other words - other maladaptive responses will go away once the depression is controlled, but if the drinking has progressed to a state of "alcoholism" it will not go away when the underlying issue is resolved.

It isn't sad. In the beginning its all the things you can do as a child, ride a bike with no handlebars, create a comic book, all innocent things. The second verse moves on to the good things you can choose to do with your life, create things for the good of humanity, and leads into the corrupt, the final verse is the corrupt, the bad in life, absolute power. Then it brings it all back to when you were yound and innocent riding your bike with no handlebars.

Centromere

Some pills do. What pills do you take?

Look out for the usual symptoms of depression. The symptoms may be mild and can creep up on a person so slowly so that they might go unnoticed for some time, until they start having a noticeable effect on the person's life. Sometimes, if the symptoms are mild to moderate, a person might not even realise that they are suffering from depression, but might think that what they are experiencing is normal. The following is a list of some of the symptoms that might be noticed: A lack of interest in usual activities. A lack of motivation. A lack of interest in life. Tiredness. Dullness of the mind. Feelings of darkness and foreboding. Feelings of negativity. Aversion to socialising or joining in activities. Feelings of being overwhelmed by the world. Despair. Feelings of gloominess. Feelings of sadness or melancholia. Feeling upset or crying easily. You may only experience 1 or 2 of these symptoms and if the depression is mild then these symptoms may only be experienced mildly or occasionally. A medical doctor is best equipped to deal with this condition and should be consulted if depression is suspected.

No, I don't think you do; bipolar phases typically last longer than you describe. A sufferer will feel euphoric and hyperactive for a couple of days to a month, and then generally feels depressed for a longer period with periods of normal mood in between.

However, please don't take this as a diagnosis and if you think you have bipolar, see a mental health practitioner about it.

You do NOT have to ATTEMPT suicide in any way just to be hospitalized! You do not need the action, just the intent. So if you simply say you want to commit suicide, a doctor can admit you to the hospital.

The most common symptoms of depression that are noticeable to others are increased sadness that doesn't go away, decreased interest or enjoyment in activities that have previously been enjoyed, excessive sleeping or insomnia, increased and ongoing fatigue or tiredness, changes in appetite (usually decreased), increased irritability, crying spells for no reason, increased agitation and restlessness, decreased concentration, and an increase in physical ailment complaints. You might also notice feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, feelings of self loathing or decreased self worth, and increased thoughts of death and dying.

A moment when depression is palpable and/or becomes tangible to oneself or others.

It can be considered an emotion, but also a state of the mind, because it is a mental illness.

Fish oil does appear to offer considerable benefits to people with bipolar disorder.