Activities may include physical exercise, improving a skill, or doing voluntary work. For a person who has experienced an episode of manic depression, the best approach is to take things gradually and learn to cope with stressful situations. One should keep in mind that despite the difficulties the victim must overcome, many people have made a full recovery. The type of help depends on the seriousness of the victim's condition. Unusually, the first contact is through a family physician, who refers the patient to a psychiatrist.
Many people unfortunately delay seeking help in time due to shame or fear of social stigmas.
However, only a psychiatrist is authorized to prescribe medication. In addition, psychiatrists are sometimes more sensitive to the biological facets of disorders. Many people suffer needlessly for a long period of time because they are under the impression that their disorder is psychological in nature, and therefore cannot be helped by medication. Although some professionals are of the opinion that certain biological disorders can successfully be treated through psychotherapy, in many instances medication provides quicker and more effective relief. When a patient receives treatment from more than one professional,it is essential that all the professionals involved in the case communicate with each other.