 Meditation as an Effective Help with Bipolar Issues
In the last ten years, medical science has been discovering something that many cultures have known for centuries. That is the truth about how meditation can be a potent part of any holistic healing plan for people will all manner of medical problems. From slowing the aging process to helping with memory to speeding recovery from surgery, meditation has become a part of the how many doctors prescribe wellness for their patients. Not only can meditation aid in living life to its fullest, it literally has proven to help fight illness and help with recovery from dire illness as well.
Bipolar disorder is a serious and complicated psychological and emotional disease. Those who suffer with it are going through much more than just "mood swings". The shifts from the "manic" to the "depression" stages are dramatic and the differences in which the patient behaves, thinks and makes decisions are so drastically different in the two phases that it is as though they are two different people.
With that in mind, even a generally beneficial lifestyle choice such as the development of a habit of meditation should be done under doctor's care and advisement. If the patient's doctor is aware that the bipolar patient is going to use meditation to give himself some additional resources to control those mood swings, the doctor can give advice on how to do that in light of current medication levels. The doctor can also monitor the effect of the meditation on the bipolar condition and observe the benefits the patient is receiving from the new daily practice of meditation.
You will find that while there is no scientific studies that document the huge benefits meditation has for bipolar patients, the medical community is very aware of the value of meditation and that doctor will be enthusiastic about the use of meditation done in concert with his therapies and medications. Meditation is a natural way to introduce calm and focus and to generate natural endorphins that can reduce the impact of the depression that bipolar patients suffer.
Most bipolar patients who introduce meditation to their daily habits see a greater sense of peace and a leveling of their moods for several hours after each meditation session. And since meditation is not a medication but more resembles exercise, the patient cannot overdose on meditation. The only thing keeping the bipolar patient from enjoying the benefits of meditation several times a day is scheduling and other work or family responsibilities.
Because meditation is such an effective complement to the bipolar patient's therapy, the results will be easily witnessed by coworkers and family members. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and easily witnessed by family and people at work. So when the bipolar patient begins to gain greater control over his or her moods and ability to function and think, that will benefit every aspect of his or her life. So family and even management at work will be very willing to facilitate meditation sessions to help their friend, loved one or coworker get better control over the problem.
In addition to introducing a resource for bringing a greater calm and peace of mind to the bipolar patient, meditation gives anyone who uses greater discipline in managing his or her moods. Once the practice of meditation has become habitual, the bipolar patient will develop internal skills as moving from a state of confusion and anxiety to one of peace and inner calm. That is the process learned during meditation practice.
This is not to say that there is any guarantee that if the bipolar patient sees great success with meditation that they can put aside those medications that many bipolar sufferers dislike so much. Making a self-directed decision to alter therapy for bipolar patients is never a good idea. But over time, as the introduction of meditation gives the bipolar patient greater inner control and calm to reduce the dramatic impact of the mood swings they suffer, the doctor may be able to determine if the dosage of medications can be adjusted.
While meditation is not a total cure for bipolar disorder, in almost all cases it brings tremendous benefit to he life of the bipolar patient. Meditation gives greater control over the disorder to the patient through the introduction of a mental and emotional discipline during meditation and throughout the daily activities of the bipolar patient. So if meditation can give those who are dealing with bipolar issues greater ability to cope with their problem, it is certainly worth using in concert with other therapies.
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