Cultivating Stability and Support: Embracing Life with Bipolar Disorder

1. Embrace Life with Bipolar Disorder sbhtherapy.com/cultivating-stability-and-support-embracing-life-with-bipolar-disorder/ Cultivating Stability and Support: Embracing Life with Bipolar Disorder Living with a health condition in today’s world can be challenging. This becomes even more difficult when it is a mental health condition that cannot always be conveniently explained. One such condition affecting millions of humans across the world is bipolar disorder. Also recognized as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, behavior, and energy levels of the individual. The aim of this blog from our team is to clarify your misconceptions about bipolar disorder and explore the diagnosis, symptoms, and available treatments of this condition. By the end of this piece, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this condition. What is Bipolar Disorder? 1/4

2. In the simplest of terms, bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder where a person suffers from recurrent episodes of mood swings. These mood swings are quite extreme ranging from extreme highs or hypomania to lowest lows or depression. There is no fixed duration of an episode of bipolar disorder, they can last for a few days or even a few months. Those suffering from this condition have experienced its grave impact on their relationships, daily lifestyle, and their overall well-being. While it is a common tendency to associate every mood swing with bipolar disorder, the two are pretty different. Bipolar disorder is quite serious and a wholly distinct condition from temporary changes in emotions. Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder A mental health professional such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist is the best individual to conduct a thorough evaluation of a person’s mental health condition and diagnose this condition. Health professionals tend to carry out a detailed assessment of the individual’s medical history, understand the linkage of symptoms shown, and at times conduct interviews with close friends and family members. Ruling out possible causes leading to bipolar disorder in an individual is an effective way of diagnosing the individual. If possible causes such as past medical conditions and substance abuse are ruled out in the early stages, it becomes easier for the mental health expert to pin the real cause. Let us now understand how you can identify when someone is suffering from this mental condition and isn’t just experiencing a mood swing. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder The first thing you should understand here is, the symptoms of bipolar disorder aren’t as hard and fast as in many other medical conditions. These differ from one individual to another. At the same time, people experience different symptoms during manic and depressive episodes. Symptoms experienced during Manic Episode An individual can experience any of the following symptoms during a manic episode: – Inflated self-esteem Decreased need for sleep Increased energy levels and restlessness Difficulty concentrating Impulsive behavior 2/4

3. Extreme irritability Racing thoughts Symptoms experienced during Depressive Episodes When going through a depressive episode, an individual may experience any of the following symptoms: – Excessive sleepiness or insomnia Feelings of worthlessness Persistent sadness, emptiness, hopelessness Loss of energy Difficulty remembering things, concentrating Changes in normal appetite, weight Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed Recurrent suicidal thoughts Excessive guilt If you see any of your near and dear ones experiencing any of these symptoms on a recurrent basis, reach out to them at the earliest. It is time we discuss what are the potential remedies for bipolar disorder. Medication and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder In the past few years medical sciences have achieved great heights, and thus today we have multiple ways to treat bipolar disorder. Ranging from medicines to helpful lifestyle habits and from self-management strategies to psychotherapy. An effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder tends to be a combination of these methods. Medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder Scientists have developed some medicines that have proven to best manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Although an individual needs to try a number of medicines when suffering from bipolar disorder to best understand which one suits them the most. It is important that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking any such medication. In this treatment strategy, mood stabilizer medicines such as lithium act as the first line of treatment with the motive of keeping mood swings under control. Some other mood stabilizers include Lamotrigine, Valproic acid, and Carbamazepine. Besides mood stabilizers, healthcare professionals at times also prescribe antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, depending on the patient’s requirements. Some of the popular antipsychotic medicines include Quetiapine, Cariprazine, Olanzapine-fluoxetine 3/4

4. combination, and Lurasidone. Popular therapies for treating Bipolar Disorder Apart from medications or along with medications, psychotherapy or talk therapy is an effective way to treat bipolar disorder. We will now discuss some of the popular variations of the therapies used to treat bipolar disorder: – 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a structured therapy that helps individuals examine their emotions and thoughts, understanding their impact on actions. The CBT method helps people suffering from depression in particular and bipolar disorder in general, to unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors. At the same time, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy leads to the development of healthier thinking patterns and habits. 2. Family-Focused Therapy – The family-focused therapy inculcates the participation of the person suffering from bipolar disorder as well as his family members. The procedure undertaken in this therapy involves psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, problem-solving skills development, and training in improving communication. 3. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) – This methodology of treating bipolar disorder lays emphasis on understanding and working in tandem with biological and social rhythms in order to improve mood stability. IPSRT stresses medication adherence, maintaining consistent daily routines, and stress management. Final Word Bipolar Disorder is undoubtedly a complex mental health condition that has wreaked havoc in the lives of numerous humans of late. While it may be difficult to ascertain whether you are suffering from it, the safest bet is to consult a health professional as soon as possible. With proper diagnosis, symptom management, and an effective treatment plan, the condition can be effectively dealt with. If you or someone else you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, reach out to a mental health professional at the earliest. Let us work together to promote empathy and provide a safe environment for those suffering from this condition. Required fields are marked * 4/4