Parenting a child who suffers from Manic Depression is, of course, not a simple task. I have found however, that it is more than making sure she takes her medications, has regular visits with her physicians, monitoring her mood swings, or protecting her when she has only the wish and need to die.

It is the many hours of heartache you feel watching your child suffer from an illness that she cannot help having. The pain knowing that she does not care about herself enough to stop erratic behavior, excessive habits, or prolonged crying "spells" when she rolls up in a ball and cries so hard that she cannot breath or stop the crying.

I am that parent: my beautiful daughter suffers from Bipolar Disorder. To watch my Angel, my child so full of life and the heart of gold she wears on her sleeve for the world to see can be crushed in a matter of seconds.

I want to dedicate this page to you Sharon, because I love you with all that I have. You are my best friend. If I could take this from you I would, but alas, I cannot. So, in an effort to educate those who do not know what Manic Depression is and to those who so many times say that you are acting; this is for you.

With All My Love,

Mom

Bi Polar

Manic depression involves wide mood alterations, with periods of both depression and mania. A person experiencing depression or mania may have intense mood swings and consequent changes in thinking and behavior. The term that is professionally used for this illness is Bipolar Affective Disorder. Bipolar means sharing two poles (high and low) and Affective Disorder means a disorder having to do with mood.

	" Depression ”

Manic depression can send a person plunging from a high state, where one may believe one has superhuman energy and abilities, into a pit of despair, where it may seem as if the only way out is suicide.

Symptoms include:

Depressive State: The primary symptom is a sad, despairing mood, which may be accompanied by some or all of the following, depending on the severity of the illness:

Prolonged sadness or unexplained and prolonged crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns (too much or too little)
Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
Loss of self-esteem
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
Unexplained aches and pains
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Manic State: A person feels "euphoria" and strength. However in the early stages of the illness, the person may appear to be more sociable, active, talkative, self-confident, perceptive, and creative than usual.

As his/her mood elevates, he or she may experience some or all of the following:

Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance
Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
Increased physical and mental activity-or increased strength and energy
Racing speech, flight of ideas, impulsiveness
Poor judgment, easily distracted
Reckless behavior such as spending sprees, rash business decisions, erratic driving, sexual indiscretions-increased sexual drive
In the most severe cases, hallucinations

	Living Life Again!!

The first thing to remember if you or someone close to you suffers from a depressive illness is that you or they are not alone. About 1% of the population suffers from some from of depression. Among teenagers the numbers are one in four! The important thing is to recognize the symptoms and seek help from someone you trust.

There is no real cure for manic depression at present, but through the help of prescribed medications, regular doctor visits, self-help groups, and monitoring by family members or friends you can lead a "normal" life!

Regardless of its cause, the presence of depressive or manic depressive illness indicates an imbalance in the brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. In layman's terms it means that the brain's electric mood regulating system is not reacting as it should.

Many people require life long maintenance treatment that significantly decreases the likelihood of recurrences. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants work together to help regulate the brain's activity. They do not change your personality, are not habit forming, and do not make you feel "spaced out".

Remember, it is okay to ask for help. The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is a sponsor to over 275 chapters and support groups throughout the United States. In Canada you can contact the local Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) or the Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of Ontario. You can live life again! You can be happy and successful in whatever you do but is it up to you to take that first step. Take the next step toward wellness for you or for someone you love and visit www.ndmdal.org to locate the nearest chapter or support group. Also www.depressionhurts.com will help for resources and information. In Canada call (416) 481-5413.