Manic-Depression

by Davey Louis Jones

Gareth*, a man in his late twenties, is a manic-depressive. All his life he has only known the cycle of deep, despairing depression and the elated, self-destructive highs. Gareth has attempted suicide twice in his life, ending up in the hospital in serious condition from both attempts. Gareth's manic-depression is very stressful on both himself and his family. His wife, Brunhilde, and their two children find it difficult to cope with Gareth's mood swings. Brunhilde and Gareth have been thinking about divorcing for the sake of Brunhilde's and the children's stability and sanity. Brunhilde feels very guilty about the thought of leaving Gareth just because he has an uncontrollable mental disorder; Gareth finds it difficult to cope with people, and because of this there is a strain and pressure on himself, his family, and Gareth's co-workers at the plastics factory where he works.

Gareth's lifestyle has been greatly disrupted by manic-depression, a Bi-polar disorder which can leave the inflicted person stressed, exhausted, and to agitated to concentrate and work clearly and efficiently. A person with this condition finds it difficult to cope with everyday problems, and to deal with family and friends.

The manic-depressive can not find the energy and will to go through the basic processes of everyday life. The manic-depressive becomes withdrawn and removed for society, family, and friends. Manic-depression is a combination of both "low", upsetting moods and "high", frenzied moods that can change rapidly and hit with extreme severity, or the mood swing can gradually creep from despairing depression to delirious manias. Bi-polarity is usually a chemical imbalance involving the electro-chemical synapses of the brain. Not much is known of how a manic-depressive's electro-chemical processes works, but manic depression can be treated. This chemical imbalance can usually be "leveled off" with the use of medication, such as lithium, tegretol, or another Anti-depressant. The anti-depressant coupled with proper treatment can help the manic-depressed person lead a "normal", natural life. Some forms of treatment are psychological therapy, psychoanalysis, or psychiatric counseling. The only drawbacks of anti-depressant medication and therapy is that it can take up to six months before any beneficial effects can be noted. Not all manic-depressive people suffer from a chemical imbalance. A prescribed medication, physical illness, alcohol, or the use of an illegal drug can cause symptoms of manic-depression. The depressed feelings stop when the illness is over, or the drug is withdrawn.

Under circumstances of the death of a loved one, divorce, or another

loss, depression is a "normal" response to the problems the person is presently dealing with. This usually is only temporary and does end up being a severe problem. Bi-polarity becomes a problem when the person

cannot handle everyday problems, and the symptoms of manic-depression disrupts work and family. The symptoms of manic-depression are a discouragement that life will not get any better, lethargy, and an inability to concentrate and think clearly or to make rational decisions. There could also be a loss of appetite or overeating, trouble sleeping, a lack of interest in sex and other hobbies once enjoyed by the manic-depressive. One final symptom which can ultimately change the manic-depressive's life are thoughts of death which could lead to suicide. The severely depressed may carry out the act of suicide, because they may believe they have no other options in which to help them escape from their problems and the depression. Manic-depressives usually will not seek professional help, not realizing that their problems are worth being treated.

Bi-polarity is a severe illness. Some cases of manic-depression end in suicide and death; yet through the use of therapy and medication, some manic-depressives can lead happy, natural, well-adjusted lives, coping intelligently form day to day, no longer being withdrawn and discouraged. Manic-depression no longer needs to be an untreatable and life threatening disease.

*The names used in this essay are fictional.

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Copyright 2001 by Davey Louis Jones. All rights reserved.