Bipolar Disorder
Perhaps you wake up feeling on top of the world—you’re more productive at work than you’ve been in months, you feel hyper, talkative, and have little need for sleep. You may find yourself feeling easily irritated and agitated, with no cause or reason.
These “high” or irritable mood phases may last for days to weeks, then often are followed for most, by weeks to months of depression. It’s important to know that Bipolar disorder looks different from person to person.
You may use alcohol, drugs, or even prescriptions in a way other than intended, as a way of coping with these symptoms. During mood phases, you may make decisions around money, your lifestyle, or your career, that you later regret.
What Can Bipolar Disorder Effect?
- Relationships with family, friends, and coworkers
- Productivity, motivation, and sleep
- Finances and household responsibilities
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or non-prescribed use of medications
- Behavior that seems erratic or irrational to others
- Racing thoughts, sometimes with unusual thoughts, sounds, or experiences
What Change Can Look Like
- Ability to understand what symptoms may signal upcoming changes in mood phases
- Increased stability of emotions and thoughts
- Knowing which strategies will work to minimize the effects of mood changes
- Confidence in your decisions and improved self-esteem
- Better relationships with family, friends, and coworkers
What Can I Expect in Session?
- Because an accurate diagnosis is important to your treatment, an assessment will be conducted to help you determine whether a Bipolar diagnosis seems appropriate to consider
- Psychoeducation for individuals and any participating partner(s)/family on the symptoms and general management of Bipolar Disorder
- Guidance on tools and techniques that you can utilize to track the unique moods that signal your “high” and “low” mood phases
- Evidence-based strategies you can use to help you cope with mood changes
- Assessment and needed adjustments based on how you feel the tools and techniques provided are helping you
- Collaboration with any physicians or prescribers that you would like to be involved in your treatment approach
“I’m a clinician with the compassion, understanding, and expertise you need to achieve balance and better relationships in your life.”
Kassie Love, MMFT/MPH
