Manic depression is the name given to a condition in which people experience mood swings either to very severe depression or to mania (a state of abnormal excitement and over-activity) or both. These mood swings are much more extreme than the ordinary mood changes where we feel rather low or down at times and energetic and optimistic at others. In manic depression the mood swing may be so great that people are no longer in control of their own actions and some sort of help will be needed. Some people also see or hear things that others around them don’t (this is known as having visual or auditory hallucinations or delusions).

A person diagnosed with manic depression may be quite unaware of the changes in their attitude or behaviour. After a manic phase is over, they may be quite shocked at what they've done and the effect that it has had. Sometimes, people experience a milder form of mania known as hypomania. During these periods people can actually become very productive and creative and so see these experiences as positive and valuable. However, hypomania, if left untreated, can become more severe, and may be followed by an episode of depression.

Find Out More and Seek Help

Depression Alliance: 35 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB. Tel: 0845 123 23 20, E-mail: information@depressionalliance.org, Website: www.depressionalliance.org
National network of self-help groups for people experiencing depression. Offers a newsletter, national pen friend scheme and correspondence service with advice, guidance, support and fellowship to people experiencing depression, and their carers. Produces booklets and leaflets on various aspects of depression.

Manic Depression Fellowship (MDF): 21 St George's Road, London SE1 6ES. Advice and information: 08456 340 540 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), E-mail: mdf@mdf.org.uk, Website: www.mdf.org.uk
Provides advice and information for people with manic depression, and their families, carers and mental health professionals. Offers a quarterly journal Pendulum, a network of self-help groups for people with the condition, as well as their relatives and friends, self management training courses, employment advice, travel insurance, and members also have access to a legal advice line. MDF will send out an info pack upon request, which includes a publications list.

Mental Health Foundation: Sea Containers House, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9QB, Tel: 020 7803 1100, E-mail: mhf@mhf.org.uk, Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Working to improve the support available for people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. Offers information and literature on all aspects of mental health, including where to get help, information about specific mental health problems, treatments and rights.

Mind (National Association for Mental Health): 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ, Mind Infoline: 0845 766 0163 (Mon-Fri 9.15am-4.15pm), Tel: 020 8519 2122, E-mail: contact@mind.org.uk, Website: www.mind.org.uk
Campaigns for better mental health services in England and Wales, through its national office, regional offices and network of over 200 local branches, some of which also provide services. Publishes a range of helpful books and leaflets. Contact them for details of your nearest local group and for more information.

Rethink: 5th Floor, Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX, Tel: 0845 456 0455 (general enquiries) (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), National advice line: 020 8974 6814 (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm), E-mail: advice@rethink.org Website: www.rethink.org Dedicated to improving the lives of anyone affected by severe mental illness, by providing information, advice and advocacy services, raising awareness of mental health issues, and challenging the attitudes that create stigma. Website has sections on employment, money, benefits and legal rights.

Samaritans: c/o Chris, PO Box 90, 90
Stirling, FK8 2SA, Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours), E-mail: jo@samaritans.org, Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
The Samaritans exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person, irrespective of race, creed, age or status who is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide; 24 hours a day. Can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, writing, or by visiting one of over 200 local branches (details are on the website).

SANE: 40 Adler Street, London E1 1EE, SANELINE: 0845 767 8000 (every day 12pm-2am), E-mail: london@sane.org.uk (admin queries only), Website: www.sane.org.uk
SANELINE is a national mental health helpline providing information and support for people with mental health problems, and those who support them. They can provide information on illnesses and symptoms, local and national mental health services, medication, treatments and therapies.

Websites

www.nice.org.uk
For guidelines on the treatement of bipolar disorder

www.thyromind.info
Website raising awareness of thyroid disease as a possible cause of mental distress

Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org
The DBSA fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information written in language the general public can understand.

Royal College of Psychiatrists www.rcpsych.ac.uk
Website contains informative factsheets on manic depression, and other mental illnesses.

Swings and Roundabouts www.swingsround.mhmedia.com
Swings and Roundabouts are a group of volunteers who came together to produce Insight in Mind, a 27 minute film with an accompanying booklet which give an insight into mania and depression, as well as anti-psychotic medications. The aims of Insight in Mind are to enable carers, health professionals, family and friends to focus on the emotional and practical needs of individuals in distress and to challenge stereotypes, attitudes and prejudices. Visit the website for further information or to purchase a copy of the video and accompanying booklet.

Further Readings

Bipolar Disorders: A guide to helping children and adolescents by Mitzi Waltz (O'Reilly UK, 2000)
This text aims to help parents and professionals recognise, treat and cope with bipolar disorders in children and adolescents. It covers diagnosis, family life, medication, talk therapies and school

Coping with Depression and Elation by Patrick McKeon (Sheldon Press, 1995)
This book explains the symptoms and treatment of manic depression and offers practical suggestions on ways to cope.

Living with Mental Illness: A book for relatives and friends by Elizabeth Kuipers and Paul Bebbington (Souvenir Press, 2004)
Provides explanations and practical advice on matters such as coping day to day and in a crisis.

Survival Strategies for Parenting the Child and Teen with Bipolar Disorder by George Lynn (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2000)
Up until five years ago, the professional community did not think that bipolar disorder occurred in children. Now, as it is being increasingly diagnosed, George Lynn offers clear, practical advice on recognising the symptoms, understanding medication and accessing the necessary support at school as well as managing the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with bipolar disorder.