What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to think clearly. These dramatic shifts differ from the typical ups-and-downs most people experience. A person with bipolar disorder may experience very separate and distinct periods of mania or depression. In between those extreme mood states, they may also experience extended periods without any symptoms all. Both extreme mood states may also happen at the same time or one right after the other.
Bipolar disorder usually worsens if left untreated, but there is always hope. With the help of a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, medications, and a healthy routine, many people live happy, full lives with their condition.
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder symptoms can vary in appearance and intensity. As previously mentioned, a person may experience separate and distinct periods of mania or depression, or they could experience both at once or one right after the other. Depression is experienced as a sad, hopeless state of low energy. At the opposite end, mania can be described as a state of euphoria, elation, and often greatly increased energy. During a period of mania, sleeplessness can turn into full blown insomnia, and loss of appetite is also common. Severe episodes of mania or depression may include psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. There is also a milder form of mania, hypomania, which does not include psychotic episodes. People living with hypomania can often still function well in social situations or at work.
Bipolar disorder can cause a person to become irritable quickly and behave unpredictably. During periods of mania, people frequently act impulsively, make reckless decisions, and take unusual risks. The lows of depression are often so exhausting that people may be unable to get out of bed. During either mood state, people with bipolar disorder may have suicidal thoughts.
Sanctuary Centers Treats Bipolar Disorder
Sanctuary Centers offers both Mental Health Inpatient and Outpatient Care for those living with bipolar disorder. Our compassionate team and attentive clinical staff specialize in treating all types of bipolar disorders, as well as depression and other mood disorders that may need attention. We combine psychosocial treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused therapy with any necessary pharmacotherapy. Our counselors pride themselves on communicating clearly and working closely with every client as they establish regular routines and structure to develop healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms. All of this comes together to create individualized treatment plans specifically designed to move each of our clients toward their respective treatment goals.