Without mental health treatment and appropriate interventions, bipolar disorder gets worse. It is not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to engage in risqué or thrill-seeking behavior in their highs or attempt self-harm in their lows. However, it is possible to manage this condition with a combination of medication, psychotherapy, healthy living, and regularized schedules. To learn more, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356
Causes and Types of Bipolar Disorder
Scientists have not narrowed down why some people develop bipolar disorder. However, bipolar disorder may run in families, and it can be activated or complicated by stress. Research is ongoing, but scientists have noticed subtle brain structure differences between people without the disorder. Bipolar disorder usually sets in during late adolescence and early adulthood, but it can manifest earlier or later in rare cases.
There are three main types/categories of bipolar disorder, namely:
- Bipolar I disorder: More episodes of mania (highs) than depression (lows), with mania episodes being more severe, even to the point of hospitalization.
- Bipolar II disorder: Depressive episodes alternative with hypomanic episodes but no full-blown manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder/Cyclothymia: Chronic instability with mild episodes of both mania and depression and brief normalcy spells.
Apart from the above, a person may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder if they experience periods of abnormal mood elevation or depression outside of the criteria above. Bipolar disorder, like other mental health conditions, exists on a spectrum. Someone can find themselves anywhere along the spectrum. Prompt mental health treatment improves the outcomes of all kinds of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms vary depending on the phase of bipolar disorder – mania or depression. During the manic phase, a person may feel happy or energetic, on edge, self-confident, or not tiring quickly. Some people waste money or take risks during their manic episodes. Some seek out drugs because they feel invincible or would like to ‘ride’ even higher.
When the person swings to the depressive state, they suffer memory lapses, unclear thoughts/inability to make decisions, suicidal thoughts, and lack of interest in formerly-enjoyable things/activities. The person may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb bad feelings or bring back the high.
The swings can be mild or extreme, depending on the severity of the condition. Similarly, you may swing over several days or suddenly over a few minutes or hours. The phases can last anything from a few hours to several months. A person may or may not have periods of normalcy in between.
Managing Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be treated and managed with the right medication and mental health treatment and therapies. Unfortunately, because the disease occurs on a spectrum, patients must try several drug combinations or therapy programs before finding out what works for them. Once you find the right combination, it is critical to keep taking your medication, even during the high or semi-high seasons, when you feel good.
Most people take a daily mood stabilizer, antipsychotics to regulate manic phases, and antidepressants to regulate depressive phases. Therapy and counseling for the individual and loved ones can limit stress, which triggers an episode. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and avoiding risky behavior, can help.
Psychotherapy and Mental Health Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we’ve designed our medical detox and psychotherapy programs to help you break addictions or mental health issues caused by bipolar disorder. Some of our therapies include:
- Family therapy programs
- Group therapy programs
- Individual therapy programs
- Psychotherapy programs
- Trauma therapy programs
If your loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder, there is ready help for them. Mental health treatment can help get them on the path to managing their condition and leading a wholesome life. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356, and we’ll take good care of you or your loved one.
