If you have bipolar disorder, you spend each day not knowing when the next mood swing might occur. But you have hope for regaining a stable and successful life when you get psychotherapy from Mindy Pearson, PhD, at Advent Family Psychology. Dr. Pearson has worked with many people who have bipolar disorder, helping them overcome their individual challenges and providing personalized therapy that supports their goals. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Lehi, Utah, or connect online today.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that causes swings in your mood from high-energy mania to low-energy depression. Though everyone with bipolar disorder has these swings, the severity of their symptoms can vary:
Bipolar I disorder causes severe mania and major depression. Your manic highs are so disruptive that you may need hospitalization and intensive medication management to return to a neutral mood.
Bipolar II disorder is defined by episodes of hypomania and major depression. Your hypomanic symptoms are the same as mania but less severe. Most people can keep functioning during hypomanic episodes.
People with cyclothymic disorder have frequent mood swings between mania and depression. However, their symptoms aren’t severe enough to qualify as hypomania or major depression.
During manic and hypomanic episodes, you may:
You can also have delusions (believing something is real when it isn’t) and hallucinations (seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling something that isn’t real).
During major depression you may:
Depression often causes physical symptoms, such as muscle aches and headaches.
Dr. Pearson specializes in psychotherapy, which is an essential part of your bipolar disorder treatment. However, mood-stabilizing medications that prevent manic-depressive swings are also vital, so she refers you to a physician for medication management.
Psychotherapy helps you manage bipolar disorder and minimize its effect on daily life. For example, you may learn to identify warning signs of an impending mood swing and gain techniques that help you prevent it.
You can overcome personal challenges, restore relationships, learn emotional regulation, and manage anxiety and stress with therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
You can lead a thriving life when you get support and therapy for bipolar disorder. To schedule an appointment, call Advent Family Psychology or book online today.