BIPOLAR DISORDER SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Bipolar disorder can be long lasting.
It affects the individual's mood, and in turn, can cause disruptions to their day to day and relationships.
Identifying and working on bipolar disorder symptoms as soon as possible can be very beneficial.
Bipolar disorder can be distinguished using different types of episodes: manic, hypomanic, depressive and - often forgotten, neutral.
Manic is higher energy; one is more active and reckless, requires less sleep, are more easily annoyed, and may find themselves even talking faster. Hypomanic is similar to manic but less intense. Depressive episodes are lower energy symptoms, one is often tired, and feels down about life and themselves.
The primary qualification for Bipolar 1 is having an episode of mania, whereas Bipolar 2 has an episode of hypomania AND depressive episode.
A risk to keep an eye out for those with bipolar disorder is that they have a higher risk of feeling suicidal and experiencing substance abuse. (Alcohol and drugs can make symptoms worse too).
(McCormick, Murray, & McNew, 2015).
Now everyone's mood can change; however, for those with bipolar disorder, the mood changes last a few days at least and can cause quite a disruption in one's life.
Here are some things we can do to help treat bipolar disorder,
Try and identify events that trigger an episode. You can even reach out to loved ones around you to keep an eye too.
Keep a diary where you make notes of your sleep and mood; a track record can help identify triggers and changes.
Therapy can also be very beneficial! Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy have many therapists such as Maria, Shabana, Himel, Helen, Svetlana, Gauri, and Samuele, who all have experience with clients who struggle with bipolar disorder symptoms.
There are different modalities therapists may use
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm:
Is creating and maintaining a routine: sleep, meals, exercise. A consistent routine can help maintain one's mood and prevent disruption day to day.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (A well-versed modality at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy)
It is identifying negative thoughts and the behaviour that follows and changing them to more positive thinking and beneficial behaviour.
Psychoeducation
Learning about what you are going through can be very beneficial! With education, you can identify patterns better, as one knows what they are looking for now.
Family Counselling
Vaughan Counselling and psychotherapy also offers family counselling by Svetlana and Sumbul.
Family Counselling Can help those around you know more about what one is going through, and they will learn healthy ways to respond. Having a better understanding can also help them identify triggers with the individual.
Group Counselling:
Vaughan counselling and psychotherapy occasionally hosts group counselling, so keep your eye out on group counselling mentions on Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy social media accounts. If you feel you need one, please let us know; our clinic can provide some resources to the group counselling on bipolar disorder that is currently happening. Group counselling makes one feel less alone and more understood, knowing others feel the same way as them.
(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021)
For more information on Bipolar Disorder or if you would like to book an appointment with one of our therapist, please give us a call at 905-264-6565 or email us at info@vaughanpsychotherapist.com
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (Feb 16, 2021). Bipolar Disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961
McCormick, U., Murray, B., & McNew, B. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of patients with bipolar disorder: A review for advanced practice nurses. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 27(9), 530–542. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12275