Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder symptoms can range from person to person. However, most people experience mood swings between extremes, ranging from depression to mania. You need not struggle alone if you have this disorder; instead, you can find encouragement and support by meeting with a Christian counselor. We can provide tools to help you manage your symptoms and find success day by day.

Two main types of bipolar disorder are involved in making diagnoses. In Bipolar Disorder Type 1, manic episodes last at least one week and alternate with episodes of major depression and/or mixed episodes. In Bipolar Disorder Type 2, the episodes between mania and depression are milder than in Type 1, characterized as hypomania.

Your doctor and counselor will work together to determine which type of bipolar disorder you have to form the best treatment program for you. Treatments may include medication, cognitive therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and other forms of treatment meant to help you gain a measure of control over your symptoms.

Are you unsure of whether you or a loved one has bipolar disorder? These symptoms are common among people diagnosed with this disorder.

Bipolar Mania

Episodes of this type last one week or more. While the person experiences a manic episode, they may have elevated moods, an inflated sense of self-esteem, a decreased need to sleep, increased levels of goal setting and motivation, racing thoughts, and extreme irritation. During a manic episode, the person may engage in risky and pleasurable activities such as spending sprees, gambling, promiscuity, drinking, drug use, and other extreme behaviors.

Bipolar Depression

Unlike clinical depression, bipolar depression is part of a cycle paired with manic episodes. For a person with this disorder, depressed episodes follow manic episodes and last at least two weeks. These episodes are characterized by reduced motivation, fatigue, marked sadness, and occasionally suicidal ideation or attempts.

Hypomania

This is a common occurrence for people with bipolar disorder type 2. These individuals typically do not engage in risky behaviors. However, they do have episodes of increased productivity and elevated moods that last at least one week.

Mixed Episodes

In these challenging episodes, the person may experience feelings of being both “up” and “down” simultaneously. They can experience the push-and-pull between these feelings almost daily for one week or longer.

Rapid Cycling

If a person cycles between mania and depression in distinct episodes at least four times in a single year, they experience rapid cycling. This can happen for those with both types of bipolar disorder.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel like a major setback. It can feel discouraging for both the one who has been diagnosed with the disorder and the family members. However, it is not the end of hope – rather, it can be the beginning of a new journey of self-discovery, increased care and awareness, and compassion. The counselors at our offices can help you start this journey with renewed faith and even joy.

As one suffering from bipolar disorder, you may have felt exhausted by the mood swings you didn’t understand. You may have felt like you were captive to your emotions and frustrated that you didn’t feel in total control of your mind or body during mania or depression. You may feel guilty for things that occurred during past episodes, but unsure of how to avoid falling into those traps again.

Some sufferers of bipolar disorder are highly functional and can maintain a relatively normal life. Others have trouble maintaining their relationships, keeping a steady job, and sustaining daily responsibilities at home. A caring Christian counselor can help you establish rhythms of self-care and reflection to help you manage your symptoms, whether they are mild or extreme.

When you cycle through episodes, you may feel isolated and alone, even worthless. But you are made in God’s image, and so have inherent worth. In meetings with your counselor, you will discover a plan for growing your faith day by day.

Bipolar disorder is very challenging to handle on your own. It can also be difficult for family members to understand. The counselors at our offices are empathetic to the challenges of both sufferers and their families. We offer counseling plans for individuals and families based on the unique needs of your situation.

Your doctor may have already recommended a treatment plan that includes medication. By adding regular therapy sessions to your treatment plan, you’ll learn coping skills to use during episodes, plus social skills to help improve your relationships with family members, coworkers, and others. We are here to help you manage your symptoms from a faith-based perspective, and we will support you with prayer and regular encouragement.

Talking about your diagnosis and problems is a major component of healing in your journey toward a more fulfilling life. Your therapist will help you identify problems, capture your thoughts, examine your behaviors, and learn from the past.

We may use cognitive therapy to help you identify and change moods and negative thoughts. Dialectical behavioral therapy will teach you how to reduce your stress when the cycles occur. Family therapy can lower the tension between you and your family members and form a healthier plan for relating to one another with support and encouragement. We may use social rhythm therapy to help you increase self-awareness in your daily routines and sleep schedules.

Your therapist may recommend group counseling to connect you with other people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These group sessions can decrease your feelings of isolation and give you wider perspectives on how others handle their disorder. You’ll gain validation by sharing your stories as well as joy from celebrating the victories of others. Family members can also join groups like this to experience greater camaraderie.

Most people receive their first diagnosis of bipolar disorder as an older teen or adult, but there are some cases where children are diagnosed. We will customize your treatment plan based on your age, family needs, and type of disorder. Our experience with a wide variety of clients will inform our treatment plans for your situation.

One of the most important differences between secular counseling and Christian counseling for bipolar disorder is the spiritual support you will receive. A Christian counselor will approach problems from a biblical worldview, taking care not to contradict what the Bible teaches. Your counselor will pray for you, suggest Bible verses that will encourage you, and share teaching from the Bible to help you. If you want your faith to grow, your counselor will be a trustworthy spiritual guide for you.

When you work with a Christian counselor to treat your bipolar disorder, you’ll gain a greater understanding of how the disorder affects you and those you love. You will gain tools to handle both manic and depressive episodes with God’s help. Your counselor will serve as an advocate for your medical needs and hold you accountable for taking your prescribed medication.

If you choose to engage in group therapy, you’ll be encouraged by the testimonies of others who share the same struggles as you. Through the course of treatment, your faith will be strengthened, and you’ll be able to stand on your identity in Christ. Your counselor will continually encourage you to trust in the Lord and lean on his strength in your struggles.

To begin this journey of healing and hope, contact us for your first consultation today.