Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can feel confusing, overwhelming, and unpredictable at times.  You may experience periods of feeling unexpectedly energized, motivated or restless,  which are followed by times of deep sadness, low energy, or difficulty finding enjoyment in  everyday life.  

These shifts can impact relationships, work, and daily routines in a significant way.  However, bipolar disorder is a highly treatable mental health condition. With the right  combination of therapy, medication, and ongoing support, many people with bipolar  disorder lead healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar I and bipolar II can present differently from person to person, but it is a mood  disorder characterized by cycles of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows  (depression) that can significantly disrupt daily life.  

During a manic or hypomanic episode, someone may feel highly energized and engage in  risky or impulsive behaviors. During depressive episodes, that same person may feel  deeply fatigued or hopeless and disconnect themselves from others by self-isolating.  

These episodes last days or months, and the patterns can make it hard to accomplish daily  tasks and live in a way that feels steady or predictable. 

Bipolar I Disorder 

Bipolar I is defined by at least one manic episode that lasts at least one week or is severe  enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes are common in Bipolar I but are not  required for an official diagnosis.  

Bipolar II Disorder 

Bipolar II involves a pattern of major depressive episodes along with hypomanic episodes  that last at least four consecutive days. Hypomania includes similar symptoms to mania  like increased energy and elevated mood but is less severe and does not cause the same  level of disruption or risk of psychosis. 

In Bipolar II, hypomania is often difficult to recognize because it is milder and more subtle  than the mania seen in Bipolar I. When hypomania goes unnoticed, clinicians may focus  only on the depressive episodes, increasing the likelihood of a misdiagnosis of depression. 

Common symptoms during depressive episodes include:  

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness  
• Low energy or fatigue  
• Loss of interest in activities  
• Sleeping too much or too little  
• Difficulty concentrating  
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt  
• Changes in appetite  
• Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm 

Common symptoms during manic or hypomanic episodes include:  

• Increased energy or activity  
• Feeling unusually confident or euphoric  
• Needing very little sleep  
• Racing thoughts  
• Talking more than usual  
• Increased impulsivity or risk-taking  
• Feeling easily distracted  
• Increased irritability 

What Bipolar Disorder Can Feel Like Day to Day  

Everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, but you might recognize similar  thoughts or feelings like:  

• “Some days I have endless energy, and others I struggle to get out of bed.” • “My mood swings feel bigger than what others experience.” 
• “My sleep changes dramatically depending on how I’m feeling.” 
• “My moods are affecting my relationships and work.” 
• “I make impulsive decision that I later regret.”

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder 

Treatment is often most effective when it combines medication, therapy, education, and  ongoing support. 

Psychiatry and Medication Management 

Medication is often an important part of treating bipolar disorder. Our psychiatric providers  work closely with you to find the right medication plan while monitoring your progress over  time.  

Therapy  

Individual or family therapy provides a supportive space to understand your experiences,  strengthen coping skills, and improve communication. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) 

CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns, improve coping strategies, and support  healthier responses during periods of stress or mood changes.  

Coordinated Care 

Our therapists and psychiatric providers work together when appropriate to ensure your  treatment plan is personalized and collaborative. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed? 

A licensed mental health or medical provider diagnoses bipolar disorder through a  comprehensive evaluation that includes discussing your symptoms, medical history,  mood patterns, and overall health. 

What causes bipolar disorder? 

There isn’t a single cause of bipolar disorder. Genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences,  and environmental factors all appear to play a role. 

Can bipolar disorder be treated? 

Yes. While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, many people successfully manage their  symptoms through therapy, medication, healthy routines, and ongoing support.