Manic-depression, clinically known as bipolar disorder, is a mental illness which causes you to experience severe mood swings and instability. One moment you may be manic (a period of extreme high), followed by a period of depression, or an extreme low. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome this illness and live a happy life. However it does take commitment from you, as manic-depression is a chronic (recurring) disorder.
Step 1
Visit your doctor. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to help diagnose your condition. These include a physical exam and blood tests. You may also go for a psychotherapy evaluation, at which time you will meet with a therapist and discuss any thoughts or feelings you may have. Once complete, a diagnosis will be made.
Step 2
Take your medication. Various medications are available to help treat your condition. While mood stabilizers are the most commonly prescribed, antidepressants and antipsychotics are also used. Continue taking your medications even if your symptoms balance out and improve; this will prevent a relapse of your condition.
Step 3
Participate in therapy. Prescriptions can help relieve your symptoms, but psychotherapy is typically used in combination with your medication to provide you the most effective treatment possible. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, the most common type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. During your sessions, your therapist will help you discover your negative beliefs and replace them with positive beliefs instead.
Step 4
Join a support group. Another form of therapy, this allows you to talk with others suffering from bipolar disorder and learn new coping methods from them. It also allows you to build new friendships and learn how to heal past relationships.
