Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
People who are dealing with the high and lows of bipolar (depression and mania/hypomania) may find it very difficult to function in day-to-day life. Bipolar disorder can affect your interpersonal relationships, your ability to work and care for children, and your ability to take care of yourself. Having bipolar disorder also increases your risk of suicide.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder differ depending on whether you are experiencing a manic or depressive episode.
Manic symptoms include:
- Feeling excited or “high”
- Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
- Not feeling like you need much sleep
- Risky behaviors
- Reduced appetite
- Talking fast
- Feeling important and powerful
Depressive symptoms include:
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Not wanting to get out of bed
- Having trouble completing activities
- Decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling slow, and having trouble thinking clearly
- Having thoughts of suicide
Therapy for bipolar disorder can help you decrease the severity of these symptoms. It can help you learn to identify and work to change the challenging thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns that accompany bipolar disorder. Moreover, it can offer both you and your family educational support and ongoing treatment guidance as you navigate the condition.