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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

From the outside, bipolar disorder may not seem like a big deal. After all, everyone has their ups and downs, right? The highs and lows are much more extreme for those living with the disorder. It can feel like you’re on a never-ending roller coaster ride with no way to get off.

Bipolar disorder is a diagnosis that includes periods of extremely high moods (mania or hypomania) followed by periods of low moods (depression). These mood swings may be so severe that they can interfere with your ability to feel stable and function normally in day-to-day life.

 

The Highs & Lows of Bipolar Disorder

If you have bipolar disorder, you may feel like you’re on top of the world one day and then plunged into the depths of despair the next. These mood swings can be so severe that they make it difficult to hold down a job, maintain healthy relationships, or even take care of yourself. Even if the highs and lows experienced are less prominent, bipolar disorder can still have a major impact on your life. 

There are different types of bipolar disorder, each with its own set of symptoms. In general, though, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be divided into two categories: 

Mania — The “High” Phase

During this phase, you may feel:

  • Excessively happy or energetic
  • More talkative than usual
  • Your thoughts racing from one thing to the next
  • Like you’re on a mission or have boundless energy
  • Like taking risks that you wouldn’t normally, such as spending too much money or engaging in risky sexual behaviors

While mania can initially feel good in the moment, it can also be extremely disruptive to your life. The highs of mania can quickly turn into the lows of depression. During a manic episode, you may also experience psychosis, which is a break from reality. Psychosis can cause you to see or hear things that aren’t there, or believe things that aren’t true.

Depression — The “Low” Phase

During this phase, you may feel: 

  • Hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • Disinterested in activities that you once enjoyed
  • Like you cannot seem to concentrate
  • That there’s no point in trying anymore
  • Unable to sleep properly, either sleeping too much or too little 

Depression can be extremely debilitating. It can make it hard to get out of bed in the morning, let alone face the day. Depression can also lead to thoughts of suicide. If you are feeling suicidal, please get help immediately or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

 

The Different Faces of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder can manifest in many different forms. The types that are most commonly diagnosed are:

  • Bipolar I Disorder: Bipolar I disorder is characterized by periods of mania followed by periods of depression. During a manic episode, you may experience psychosis.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by periods of depression followed by periods of hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by periods of hypomania followed by periods of depression that are much milder than bipolar I and II. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe form of bipolar disorder.

Other subtypes of bipolar disorder include:

  • Rapid cycling bipolar
  • Bipolar with mixed features
  • Bipolar with seasonal pattern
  • And more types are being classified, still!

 

Treat Your Symptoms for a Smoother Life

Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and thrive in your daily life. At Corner Canyon Counseling, we offer various treatment options for bipolar disorder, including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. We can also provide referrals to other resources if needed, such as support groups or psychiatric hospitals. 

If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, please know that you are not alone. There is help available, and there is hope. With the right medication, counseling, coping mechanisms, or a combination of all three, you can live a happy, healthy life despite your disorder. Corner Canyon Counseling is here to support you on your journey to sustainable happiness. 

 

IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE

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Phone: 833-719-0886 | Fax: 801-501-0249

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248 East 13800 South, #4
Draper, UT 84020
833-719-0886

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Bluffdale, UT 84065
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