Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

People struggling with bipolar disorder may not realize that their symptoms are disrupting their relationships, responsibilities, and routines — as well as the lives of their loved ones. If you or someone you love is displaying worrisome mental health symptoms, you should consider going to a health care center to get assessed and possibly diagnosed. Without a proper evaluation and diagnosis, a client can’t take part in a bipolar disorder therapy program.

Those who struggle with bipolar disorder often don’t get the medical attention and treatment they require, especially if they’re very sociable and open during their manic periods and hide their depressive episodes. If you’re searching for a bipolar disorder therapy program in Florida, reach out to Coalition Recovery today. Call 888.707.2873 or contact our team online.

What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone struggling with bipolar disorder may often experience manic highs and depressive lows, episodes of which often last food several weeks or months.

During a manic phase, bipolar disorder symptoms may include the following:

• Being delusional and having hallucinations
• Being easily distracted
• Becoming easily irritated or agitated
• Experiencing thought patterns that are disturbed or illogical
• Feeling self-important
• Feeling very elated, happy, or overjoyed
• Having an abundance of energy
• Having new ideas and important plans
• Making decisions or saying things that are out of character
• Making decisions that have disastrous consequences
• Not eating
• Not feeling like sleeping
• Talking very quickly

During a depressive phase, bipolar disorder signs may include the following:

• Being delusional and having hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
• Experiencing appetite loss
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Having disturbing or illogical thoughts
• Feeling empty or worthless
• Feeling guilt or despair
• Feeling irritable, hopeless, or sad
• Feeling pessimistic about everything
• Having a lack of energy
• Having a loss of interest in everyday activities
• Experiencing frequent self-doubt
• Having sleeping difficulties and waking up too early

Between episodes of mania and depression, individuals struggling with bipolar disorder may sometimes have periods where they feel “normal.” Some people with this struggle may have more manic phases than depressive ones or the other way around. The patterns are not always the same for people struggling with bipolar disorder. Some may experience rapid cycling, where they don’t have periods of feeling “normal” in between episodes. Others can experience symptoms of both phases at the same time.

If mood swings last a long time but aren’t severe enough to be classified as bipolar disorder, the diagnosis could be cyclothymia, a mild form of bipolar disorder.

How Does Bipolar Disorder Therapy Work?

As with many mental health issues, psychotherapy sessions are the primary component of treating bipolar disorder symptoms. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can use any of the following approaches in a bipolar disorder therapy program:

• Behavioral therapy: Focuses on behaviors that decrease stress.
• Cognitive therapy: This involves learning to identify and modify the thought patterns that accompany mood shifts.
• Interpersonal therapy: Involves reducing strains in relationships due to stress in struggling with a mental health issue.
• Social rhythm therapy: Centers around developing and maintaining a normal sleep schedule and more predictable daily routines.

During psychotherapy, a client and therapist can discuss the client’s behaviors, feelings, and thought patterns that cause disruptions in their relationships, responsibilities, and routines. Talk therapy can help a client understand and hopefully master any problems that hurt their ability to function well in day-to-day life.

For most clients struggling with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy sessions are often combined with courses of mood-stabilizing medications. These can help a client maintain a positive self-image. Most therapists will also educate clients and their loved ones about bipolar disorder, as well as encourage clients to join support groups. Some may even recommend family therapy.

When Should You Consider a Bipolar Disorder Therapy Program?

If you or someone you care about is displaying signs of bipolar disorder, you should definitely consider seeking professional help. An assessment can help diagnose and evaluate someone’s need to undergo further mental health treatment.

Sometimes, a person with a bipolar disorder diagnosis may need urgent medical attention or admittance into a mental health facility if they are:

• Being a danger to themselves or others
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Experiencing thoughts of self-harm

Ready To Learn More About Coalition Recovery’s Bipolar Disorder Therapy Program?

If you’re looking for a bipolar disorder therapy program in Florida, contact Coalition Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 888.707.2873.