Bipolar Disorder
Step 4. Get treatment for your bipolar disorder. You can feel better.
There are two common types of treatment for bipolar disorder: (1) medicine and (2) "talk" therapy. Having both kinds of treatment usually works best. It is important to get help because bipolar disorder can get worse without treatment. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that needs to be treated throughout a person's lifetime.
Medicine
See the psychiatrist your doctor suggests. He or she can prescribe medicines that work to control your moods. These medicines are called "mood stabilizers." You also may need to take other medicines to help treat your illness.
The medicines may take a few weeks to work. Be sure to tell your psychiatrist how you are feeling. If you are not feeling better, you may need to try different medicines to find out what works best for you.
Medicines sometimes cause unwanted "side effects." You may feel tired, have blurred vision, or feel sick to your stomach. Tell your psychiatrist if you have these or any other side effects.
Talk therapy
"Talk" therapy involves talking to someone such as a psychologist, social worker, or counselor. It helps you learn to change how bipolar disorder makes you think, feel, and act. Ask your psychiatrist who you should go to for talk therapy.
How to help someone with severe mood changes:
If you know someone who is having severe mood changes and may need help, here are some things you can do:
- Tell the person that you are concerned about him or her.
- Share this article with the person.
- Talk to the person about seeing a doctor.
- Take the person to see the doctor.
- If the doctor offers the name and phone number of a psychiatrist or someone for "talk" therapy, call the number and help the person make an appointment.
- Take the person to the appointment.
- "Be there" for the person after he or she starts treatment.
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