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Bipolar
disorder support group |
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Living with any kind of illness, physical
or mental, is difficult. In such a situation, it isn't only the person,
but also the family which is affected and which has to make changes to
accommodate the illness. Adjustment becomes worse when a loved one has
a psychiatric disorder which may not have a quick cure or may even not
be curable. One such mental condition is Bipolar disorder. Persons
affected with bipolar disorder experience sudden and extreme mood
changes, vacillating
between mania and depression. These mood shifts last for abnormal
amounts of time and result in changes in behaviour and feelings. These
can be severe enough to impair normal functioning as well as disrupt
relationships. Since bipolar disorder can have a serious negative
impact on the patient (especially in a depressive episode), as well as
on the family (who have to deal with the patient's psychosis and
suicidal ideations, apart from the euphoria, reckless behaviour,
increased aggression etc), it is important that there be some sort of
support available in order to reduce the stress. One of the common
supports used by those with bipolar disorder and their families is
counselling. However there are several families and patients who might
not benefit as much from individual counselling as from a bipolar
disorder support group. Bipolar disorder support groups are especially
for
those who are afflicted with the condition and their families.
Being part of a bipolar disorder support group offers comfort in that
there are other people experiencing the same stresses. This also allows
patients and their families to share their experiences and the
different ways in which each of them handles bipolar disorder. Bipolar
disorder support groups thus offer a place where patients and their
caregivers can talk freely and openly about how they deal with the
condition and even offer help to each other. All bipolar disorder
support groups will usually have a mentor or group coordinator, most
likely a psychologist or a social worker. This person usually
coordinates meetings and offers professional help during the sessions.
Very often bipolar disorder support groups are places where families as
well as the patient learn more about the condition and gain information
which will help them manage the illness better. This is sometimes very
important for the family who may be unaware of the mental disorder and
thus find themselves unable to deal with it. By getting the correct
knowledge, they are better equipped. Bipolar disorder support groups
are also very useful for the patient as it gives him or a her a
platform to discuss feelings, fears and concerns, without the risk of
being ridiculed or judged. Such bipolar disorder support groups may be
attached to hospitals, clinics or even NGOs.
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