Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depressive Illness

Regardless of biochemical and genetic factors, your attitude can affect the way that a depressive illness affects you. If you tend to look at things negatively, if you lack self-confidence, and if you worry too much and find it difficult to talk about your problems, you will be less able to deal with the mood swings you are experiencing. You also have a stronger chance of becoming seriously depressed.

Teens who have had a difficult childhood might be more susceptible to depressive disorders. Tense family situations, major illnesses, troubles in school, and frequent moving from town to town can make you feel insecure and uncertain about the future. These things can make coping with manic depression very difficult.