Impact

The impact of bipolar disorder is considerable. Some believe that the illness

puts people on an “emotional roller coaster” in which their ups and downs

are so severe that resulting behavior can have its own disastrous consequences.

For example, people suffering from episodes of mania sometimes

use drugs, alcohol, money, or sex to excess, then later have to deal with an

additional set of problems and trauma brought about by their behavior and

impulsiveness.

Organizations such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)

and support groups such as the Depressive and Manic Depressive Association

(DMDA) have provided a way for people with bipolar disorder to share

their pain as well as to triumph over the illness. Many people have found

comfort in knowing that others have suffered from the mood shifts, and

comfort in knowing that others have suffered from the mood shifts, and

they can draw strength from one another. Family members and friends can

be the strongest supporters and advocates for those who have bipolar disorder

or other psychiatric illnesses. Many patients have credited their families’

constant, uncritical support, in addition to competent effective treatment

including medications and psychotherapy, with pulling them through the

devastating effects of the illness.