Trying to live life with bipolar disorder can feel like a roller coaster. The unpredictable changes in mood, not knowing if today motivation will be your ally or an adversary. Trying to constantly predict what and when a symptom will appear is exhausting in it of itself.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder. Symptoms of bipolar typically begin during late teens to early adulthood. Of course, symptom onset can occur outside of this timeframe as well.
Bipolar disorder symptoms can fluctuate depending on what episode the person is in. Mood episodes, as it relates to bipolar disorder, can include depressive or mania swings. Often included in mania is that of hypomania. At times, people may exhibit mixed states with both depressive and mania type symptoms.
How Does Bipolar Disorder Create Challenges in Life?
As noted above, the unpredictable mood swings can cause many problems in life from inability to maintain employment to interpersonal issues in relationships. At times, these mental health symptoms can become so intense that numbing them out with substances or alcohol is the only thing that seems to work. Other times, the intensity of symptoms can influence a person to engage in self-harm or to have suicidal thoughts.Â
Can Therapy Help Bipolar Symptoms?
Yes, forms of psychotherapy can help manage symptoms of bipolar. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shared an article, here, that indicates what therapies and modalities can be beneficial when supporting someone who has bipolar symptoms.
Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has shown efficacy in helping folks separate from their emotions, symptoms, and stressors in life. This can lead to an increase in distress tolerance, nervous system regulation, and valued living in one’s life.
Lastly, forms of trauma can influence rapid shifts in mood, impulsivity, high-risk behaviors, and negative thoughts of self that influence low self-esteem. Sometimes, this can present as bipolar disorder but is more of a trauma response. If this is the case, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy and/or Somatic Experiencing therapy can be utilized to treat the underlying trauma(s). This will most likely lead to a decrease in bipolar related symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder Recovery
Living life with bipolar can be disruptive and challenging. Utilizing the support of a trained, professional mental health therapist can help support symptom regulation, bring peace into life, heal guilt and shame, and promote a healthy sense of self.
A Mental Health Therapist Near Kenosha for Bipolar Disorder
At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we are trained and experienced in working with bipolar disorder and, if needed, trauma. Reach out now to begin the healing journey by submitting and online form here or by calling 720.295.6703. We look forward to supporting you!
