David is happier than he’s been in a long time. In the last three days, he has finished writing a film script, planned a yacht trip around the world, invested in small businesses, and picked up bread baking. He skipped his day-job to finish it all, but this is going to be the start of his dream life, he knows it. He’ll need to catch up on sleep eventually, but for right now he’s on a high that’ll never end.
Except, in just six short days, it does. The four hours of sleep he got catches up to him in a hurry. The missed calls from work end in a voicemail- he’s fired. And when he goes to buy a coffee in the morning, his card is declined. Now David is feeling hopeless, exhausted, and down.
David most likely experienced the harrowing effects of a manic episode, followed by a depressive episode. When the two are found together, it can be enough to diagnose Bipolar Disorder, also known as Bipolar Depression.
When not addressed, Bipolar Disorder can be terrifying, confusing, and even deadly. The dramatic-mood shifts experienced between a manic and depressive episode can drastically affect your finances, health, and future.
Fortunately, researchers have found ways to treat Bipolar Disorder, making it possible to pursue your dreams without the threat of a manic or depressive episode hanging over you. Thriveworks The Woodlands has experience with Bipolar Disorder, and we can work with you to find a strategy that will give you the control back in your life.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment today, give Thriveworks in The Woodlands a call at 281-667-9790.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
The stigma surrounding Bipolar Disorder makes being diagnosed with it hard to hear. The common rhetoric around it is a story of never-ending mood swings, medication, and the inability to lead a normal life. This is a lie. Bipolar Disorder can be hard to live with, and when unmanaged it can become dangerous. However, with a mixture of medication and counseling, you can live a happy, fulfilling life with Bipolar Disorder.
So, what is Bipolar Disorder, exactly? Bipolar is a mood disorder that has two distinct phases- the depressive and manic episodes. A depressive episode is just what it sounds like- a stretch of clinical depression. We’ll get into more of the symptoms below. A manic episode can be more confusing, and scary. It is also the tell-tale sign of Bipolar Disorder.
A manic episode might include:
- A frenetically high state of mind that may be either jubilant or irritated.
- Accelerated thinking that will not settle.
- A significant reduction in one’s need for sleep or rest.
- Unfocused attention.
- Obsessive and furious planning toward a goal.
- Talkativeness, especially as compared to an individual’s normal speech patterns.
- Self-aggrandizement and inflated self-esteem.
- Risky or harmful behavior.
- Hallucinations.
Thriveworks The Woodlands has experience helping people manage the aftermaths of a manic episode and will give you the tools to prevent them in the future. Bipolar Disorder treatment has the stigma of being very clinical, but it is far from that. Every counseling session at Thriveworks The Woodlands will be individualized and client centered. We are the experts on Bipolar Disorder treatment and counseling, but you are still the expert on yourself. Together, we can build a treatment plan that fits your life and achieves your goals.
The other half of Bipolar Disorder is the depressive episode. This episode is usually longer, and while lower in intensity, it can be more devastating than the manic episodes. Symptoms include:
- Powerful feelings of guilt, shame, and/or worthlessness.
- Appetite or weight changes—either a decrease or increase.
- Weakened endurance and energy.
- Slowed speaking or nervous tapping.
- Difficulty making decisions and focusing.
- Disruptions in sleep—insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
Depression can feel like a blackhole that keeps dragging you down, no matter how hard you’re trying to climb out. Add on a manic episode, and it can feel impossible to live with Bipolar. Thriveworks The Woodlands is here to tell you it does get better, you can live a happy and fulfilling life, you don’t have to be at the whim of Bipolar’ s chaotic winds anymore.
What Does Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Look Like?
I feel trapped in this, is there really a way out?
Yes! Even when it feels the most hopeless, like this is truly rock bottom, there is always a way back up. Thriveworks The Woodlands will be there to help you every step of the way.
Because Bipolar Disorder has two, separate extremes, researchers have found that the best way to treat Bipolar Disorder is by combining medication and therapy.
The thought of finding not only a counselor that works for you but also a medication treatment might sound overwhelming. We understand! That’s why a Thriveworks The Woodlands counselor will walk with you through finding the right type and dosage of medication. You are not alone in this process.
Talk therapy- and other forms of therapy such as art therapy, mindfulness, music therapy, etc.- is also a vital part of the treatment plan for Bipolar. Counseling can be tough, we’ll probably talk about some difficult subject matter, but a Thriveworks the Woodlands counselor will always prioritize you and your health.
Let’s build a future you’re excited to live in. For more questions or to schedule an appointment today, give Thriveworks in The Woodlands a call at 281-667-9790.
