Bipolar Disorder

Unfortunately, much of what people think they know about bipolar disorder is not accurate. The pattern of highs and lows varies for each person: For some people, episodes of mania or depression can last for weeks or months, while for others, mood swings are shorter and more frequent. Coping with bipolar disorder — and the mood swings it brings — can be difficult. But understanding what causes mood swings can be the first step in coping with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder.

In order to understand what that means, it is pivotal to communicate the distinction between an emotion and a mood. A mood is an inescapable, pervasive, and sustained emotion that, when extreme, can disrupt one’s whole view of life. While moods mostly fall into two categories such as positive and negative, they are harder to define than emotions because emotions are evoked by a stimulus.

While it makes sense to assume that mania is purely the opposite of depression, it isn’t so simple. Manic and hypomanic episodes can show themselves both in the form of violence and euphoria. In general, it’s characterized by restlessness, extreme optimism, hyperactivity, and having so many ideas at once that you can’t even express them. People experiencing periods of depression interrupted by mania and hypomania have a decreased need for sleep and overestimate abilities.

Full-blown mania can also involve psychosis, which is characterized by a person losing touch with reality. Delusions fall under this psychosis umbrella. A delusion is a false belief that is firmly believed in, albeit the fact that it’s unrealistic. A number of triggers can set off or worsen bipolar episodes.

Living a Full and Healthy Life is Possible

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you will most likely need to start taking medication immediately to balance your moods.Once your mood swings and other symptoms are under control, our professionals at Foundations Counseling will work with youto develop a maintenance treatment plan to manage your condition over the long term resulting the most positive outcome.

At Foundations Counseling, we firmly believe and know that you can live a full and healthy life when treated properly.

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or believe that you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, please pick up the phone today and call our team at Foundations Counseling.

You will be in the best of hands.