| BiPolar Disorder, Mental Illness, and Disability Benefits |
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If you suffer from disabling BiPolar Disorder, or other Mental Illness and can
no longer work a full time work week, I would be happy to help you obtain your
rightful Disability Benefits. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability
benefits, even if you will eventually recover.
Start by filling out the FREE online Social Security Disability Claim Evaluation
Form (see Tab, on Left Hand Navigation), calling me at 201-317-0610 or
emailing sojlaw@ptd.net.
no longer work a full time work week, I would be happy to help you obtain your
rightful Disability Benefits. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability
benefits, even if you will eventually recover.
Start by filling out the FREE online Social Security Disability Claim Evaluation
Form (see Tab, on Left Hand Navigation), calling me at 201-317-0610 or
emailing sojlaw@ptd.net.
| What is Disabling BiPolar Disorder? |
| MySsiCase.com |
| Brought to you by the Social Security Disability Law Office of Stephanie O. Joy, Esq. Helping clients, one-on-one, in all 50 U.S. States Ph: 201-317-0610 Email: sojlaw@ptd.net Fax: 570-424-2384 |
Also called: Manic-depressive illness
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it experience
dramatic mood swings. They may go from overly energetic, "high" and/or
irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again. They often have normal
moods in between. The up feeling is called mania. The down feeling is
depression.
Bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or
early adulthood. If you think you may have it, tell your health care provider. A
medical checkup can rule out other illnesses that might cause your mood
changes.
Untreated, bipolar disorder can result in damaged relationships, poor job or
school performance, and even suicide. However, there are effective
treatments: medicines and "talk therapy". A combination usually works best.
Do you go through intense moods? Do you feel very happy and
energized some days, and very sad and depressed on other
days? Do these moods last for a week or more? Do your mood
changes make it hard to sleep, stay focused, or go to work?
Some people with these symptoms have bipolar disorder, a serious
mental illness. Read this brochure to find out more.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive
illness. People with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes.
Sometimes they feel very happy and “up,” and are much more active than
usual. This is called mania. And sometimes people with bipolar disorder feel
very sad and “down,” and are much less active. This is called depression.
Bipolar disorder can also cause changes in energy and behavior. Bipolar
disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs everyone goes
through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. They can damage
relationships and make it hard to go to school or keep a job. They can also be
dangerous. Some people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or
attempt suicide.
People with bipolar disorder can get treatment. With help, they can get better
and lead successful lives.
Who develops bipolar disorder?
Anyone can develop bipolar disorder. It often starts in a person’s late teen or
early adult years. But children and adults can have bipolar disorder too. The
illness usually lasts a lifetime.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Several factors may contribute to bipolar disorder, including:
Genes, because the illness runs in families
Abnormal brain structure and brain function.
The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t always clear. Scientists are finding out
more about the disorder by studying it. This research may help doctors predict
whether a person will get bipolar disorder. One day, it may also help doctors
prevent the illness in some people.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar mood changes are called “mood episodes.” People may have manic
episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes. A mixed episode has
both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms
that last a week or two—sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms
last every day for most of the day.
Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with
extreme changes in behavior and energy levels.
People having a manic episode may:
Feel very “up” or “high”
Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
Talk really fast about a lot of different things
Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
Have trouble relaxing or sleeping
Think they can do a lot of things at once and are more active than usual
Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex.
People having a depressive episode may:
Feel very “down” or sad
Feel worried and empty
Have trouble concentrating
Forget things a lot
Lose interest in fun activities and become less active
Feel tired or “slowed down”
Have trouble sleeping
Think about death or suicide.
Can bipolar disorder coexist with other problems?
Yes. Sometimes people having very strong mood episodes may have
psychotic symptoms. These are strong symptoms that cause hallucinations
(when people believe things that are not real). People with mania and
psychotic symptoms may believe they are rich and famous, or have special
powers. People with depression and psychotic symptoms may believe they
have committed a crime or that their lives are ruined.
Sometimes behavior problems go along with mood episodes. A person may
drink too much or take drugs. Some people take a lot of risks, like spending
too much money or having reckless sex. These problems can damage lives
and hurt relationships. Some people with bipolar disorder have trouble
keeping a job or doing well in school.
Other mental illnesses that often co-exist with BiPolar disorder may be Anxiety,
PTSD, Panic Attacks, Phobias. [ Click here for more on some breakthrough
methods available from Dr. Robert Mantrell, online.]
Is bipolar disorder easy to diagnose?
No. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before anyone knows. This is
because bipolar symptoms may seem like several different problems. Family
and friends may not see that a person’s symptoms are part of a bigger
problem. A doctor may think the person has a different illness, like
schizophrenia or depression.
Also, people with bipolar disorder often have other health problems. This may
make it hard for doctors to see the bipolar disorder. Examples of other
illnesses include substance abuse, anxiety disorders, thyroid disease, heart
disease, and obesity.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Right now, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. But treatment can help
control symptoms. Most people can get help for mood changes and
behavior problems. Treatment works best when it is ongoing, instead of on
and off.
1. Medication. Different types of medication can help. People respond to
medications in different ways, so the type of medication depends on the
patient. Sometimes a person needs to try different medications to see which
are best. Medications can cause side effects. Patients should always tell their
doctor about these problems. Also, patients should not stop taking a
medication without a doctor’s help. Stopping medication suddenly can be
dangerous, and it can make bipolar symptoms worse.
2. Therapy. Different kinds of psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy, can help
people with bipolar disorder. Therapy can help them change their behavior
and manage their lives. It can also help patients get along better with family
and friends. Sometimes therapy includes family members.
3. Other Treatments. Some people do not get better with medication and
therapy. These people may try “electroconvulsive therapy,” or ECT. This is
sometimes called “shock” therapy. ECT provides a quick “shock” that can
sometimes correct problems in the brain.
Sometimes people take herbal and natural supplements, such as St. John’s
wort or omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your doctor before taking any
supplement. Scientists aren’t sure how these products affect people with
bipolar disorder. Some people may also need sleep medications
during treatment.
James has bipolar disorder. Here’s his story. Four months ago, James found
out he has bipolar disorder. He knows it’s a serious illness, but he was relieved
when he found out. That’s because he had symptoms for years but no one
knew what was wrong. Now he’s getting treatment and feeling better. James
often felt really sad. As a kid, he skipped school or stayed in bed when he was
down. At other times, he felt really happy. He talked fast and felt like he could
do anything. James lived like this for a long time, but things changed last year.
His job got very stressful. He felt like he was having more “up” and “down”
times. His wife and friends wanted to know what was wrong. He told them to
leave him alone and said everything was fine.A few weeks later, James
couldn't get out of bed. He felt awful, and it went on for days. Then his wife
took him to the family doctor, who sent James to a psychiatrist. He talked to
this doctor about how he was feeling. Soon James could see that his ups and
downs were serious. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and he started
treatment soon after. These days James takes medicine and goes to talk
therapy. Treatment was hard at first, and took some time, but now he’s back at
work. His mood changes are easier to handle, and he’s having fun again with
his wife and friends.
Models are used for illustrative purposes only.
How can I help someone I know with bipolar disorder?
Help your friend or relative see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and
treatment. You may need to make the appointment and go with him or her to
the doctor.
Here are some helpful things you can do:
Be patient
Encourage your friend or relative to talk, and listen to him or her carefully
Be understanding about mood swings
Include your friend or relative in fun activities
Remind him or her that getting better is possible with the right treatment.
How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
You can help yourself by getting treatment and sticking with it. It takes time,
and it’s not easy. But treatment is the best way to start feeling better. Here are
some tips:
Talk to your doctor about your treatment
Stay on your medication
Keep a routine for eating and sleeping
Make sure you get enough sleep
Learn to recognize your mood swings
Ask a friend or relative to help you stick with your treatment
Be patient about your symptoms. Improvement takes time.
How does bipolar disorder affect friends and family?
When a friend or relative has bipolar disorder, it affects you too. Taking care
of someone with bipolar disorder can be stressful. You have to cope with the
mood swings and sometimes other problems, such as drinking too much.
Sometimes the stress can strain your relationships with other people.
Caregivers can miss work or lose free time.
If you are taking care of someone with bipolar disorder, take care of yourself
too. If you keep your stress level down you will do a better job, and it might
help your loved one stick to his or her treatment.
Where do I go for help?
If you’re not sure where to get help, call your family doctor. You can also
check the phone book for mental health professionals. Hospital doctors can
help in an emergency. [For online options, click here.]
I know someone who is in crisis.What do I do?
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, or if you know someone who might,
get help quickly.
Do not leave the person alone
Call your doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room
Call a toll-free suicide hotline: 1–800–273–TALK (8255) for the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The TTY number is 1–800–799–4TTY (4889).
Contact us to find out more about bipolar disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health
Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892–9663
Phone: 301-443-4513 or
Toll-free: 1–866–615–NIMH (6464)
TTY Toll-free: 1–866–415–8051
Fax: 301-443-4279
E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. TR-08-3679
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