How many of you think bipolar disorder is something that the person can control?

Answer 1

Absolutely not. As others have said, if you can control it, it isn't Bipolar Disorder, it's Cyclothymia at worst. Bipolar requires drugs to manage the symptoms, simple as that.

I have managed to catch myslef slipping into depression, and toughed out a suicidal spell, but I have never been able to control manias. Every time, I have had to up my anti-psychotics before I completely lost control. The best I have been able to do is to learn the symptoms of an episode starting up and change my meds accordingly

Answer 2

If a bipolar person could control it, then they wouldn't really be bipolar. That's what being bipolar is. Its a chemical imbalance in their brain, they need medication to be able to control it. Anyone who thinks it is something that can be controlled by just trying, or with positive thinking or something is wrong. They should learn something about bipolar disorder before they make assumptions about someone. Its not something anyone would choose to be, being bipolar makes life very hard. Life is not easy for anyone, & to be bipolar makes everyday a struggle to get through. I know this because I'm bipolar. I try so hard everyday to hide it & live as normal of a life as I can. I take medication every day, it helps, but it doesn't fix it all, I can keep myself doing pretty good if I take my meds & try to avoid a lot of stress & don't let myself get into situations that I can't handle. It also helps a lot that I have a family that supports me & understands.

Answer 3

No, a person can not control the epidsodes of Bipolar disorder. It's an imbalance in the brain.

BUT, a person can control if they wish to seek treatment and follow the doctor's advice. For example, my doctor has me on Lithium, Depakote and a couple other meds. I control whether I take those meds that help my bipolar episodes.

Answer 4

You can't control a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. There are biological, environmental, and chemical factors going into the disorder.

However, a person with bipolar disorder has choices they can make to control their symptoms. They can take medications as prescribed, participate in therapy (individual, group, and couples as needed), exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs, and get enough sleep.

Sometimes though, even while taking my meds, watching my sleep patterns, therapy, and yoga, I still have major swings. It can feel very uncontrollable and helpless. Even still, I have people I can count on to help me through and keep me safe.

Answer 5

If the person is able to control their symptoms, it is not bipolar disorder. To achieve a valid diagnosis, a person must follow the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show a minimum of the required number of symptoms for a minimum length of time.

You can't malinger (fake) your way into a valid diagnosis for bipolar disorder. But - to get a valid diagnosis, it requires more observations and care than just telling your primary care doc that you dunt feel gud. At times it seems that doctors are just as eager to give the meds to you, as you are to have a easy answer like a pill.

Answer 6

sure a person can control it, but it involves buying into a treatment program covering all aspects. Not just medication. I have had to deal with my mom all my life and I know if she could just say, I'm gonna feel better, and have it work, she would. She just spent 3 months in a re-hab centre to learn how to manage both her meds, and personal skills. Yes, I do agree that drs pass out way to many meds, but some are actually good, and work well for people. One would have more luck picking winning numbers than successfully controlling the disease.

Answer 7

I think it would be easy for someone who does not have a mental disorder to think that positive thinking and controling your thoughts, is all you need to do to fix the problem. But it is not that simple. These mental disorders and alot more deeply etched inside of us. It definetley helps to try and stay positive and to fight it. I think most people who have a disorder will tell you they do or they have, but after constant every hour of everyday fighting it and often not getting anywhere it makes you feel more sad and so worn out. It is hard, really hard.

Answer 8

Bipolar "disorder" is definitely something you can control! There may be a few exceptions but it is really just intense mood swings that people aren't willing to control so it controls them! Then again, that's just my opinion. They've gone over the top with passing off having no self-control as "just another disorder." It makes me sick!

Answer 9

They can control it to a degree. For example, when I feel a swing coming on I know that I need to do things to get my mind off of what's going on inside. And if the depression end of it is really bad, I sleep before it gets worse.

Answer 10

1 can manage it 2 a degree controling it well thats up 2 the people who love u not leting it control them with stigma n degration of the afflicteds worth.