The extreme changes in mood typical of bipolar disorder are exhausting. If you’re struggling with frequent or severe episodes of mania and depression, the Heritage Wellness™ team can help. The practice sees patients in Orlando, North Miami, and Plantation, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; Jackson, Wyoming; and Portland, Oregon. The team offers treatments that reduce risky behaviors typical of mania and the overwhelming despair or disinterest experienced when depression sets in. To benefit from expert bipolar disorder care, call Heritage Wellness™ or book an appointment online today.
People with bipolar disorder undergo dramatic alterations in their mood and energy levels that occur in cycles.
Some people experience symptoms frequently, whereas others only have problems once or twice a year. Most people experience bipolar disorder symptoms before they reach 18. However, it’s not unheard of for the condition to develop later.
Bipolar disorder can be highly disruptive to everyday life. People who experience severe episodes of mania and depression are likely to find working impossible without treatment. Self-harm and suicidal thoughts frequently affect people with bipolar disorder.
During a manic phase, you might feel highly energized and full of confidence. You’ll likely need little sleep, be constantly on the go, and find it impossible to slow down.
Your thoughts race, and you get distracted easily. You also talk much more than usual and may speak quickly and loudly. Reckless behaviors that may be out of character are common during a manic phase. These symptoms could last for days or weeks before you switch to the depressive phase.
During a depression, you might have so little energy you can barely get up. Your thoughts become slower and confused; you feel desperately sad and hopeless and may think life isn’t worth living.
Bipolar I disorder is the most severe type. Bipolar II disorder typically causes less extreme mania but severe depression. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder version but can still be disabling.
Bipolar disorder treatment focuses on learning how to manage your symptoms. A better understanding of your triggers helps you to react more constructively to your emotions. The Heritage Wellness™ team combines medication with various talk therapies to reduce bipolar disorder severity.
Medications called mood stabilizers help stop mood changes from happening so often and make them less overwhelming. If you’re in a manic phase, you might benefit from antipsychotic medicines, and antidepressants help manage depression.
Psychotherapy helps you deal with problems and emotional upsets that make your bipolar disorder worse. Behavioral therapy provides you with the resources you need to manage your condition in daily life. Other helpful treatments include group counseling and lifestyle changes.
There’s no cure for bipolar disorder, but with careful management, you can lead a rich and rewarding life. Call Heritage Wellness™ to find out how the team can help, or book an appointment online today.