Bipolar Disorder or “Manic-Depressive Illness”

Systems Family Therapy specializes in the treatment and management of Bipolar Disorder. We understand that living with Bipolar Disorder presents a lot of unique, long-term challenges. We are here for you and your family, all the way. We offer short and long-term care solutions specific to the needs of our patients. Let’s bring stability and control back in to your life.

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, or “manic-depressive illness”, is a mental health condition known for intense mood swings. They can include high-energy periods, called “mania” and low-energy periods, referred to as “depression”. It looks different for each person and symptoms can show up in a lot of different ways!  The proper diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder requires a trained, preferably specialized therapist. Systems Family Therapy helps you take the first steps, we help you manage the emotional storms and strengthen family relationships.

What does Bipolar Disorder look like?

Manic Episodes

During manic episodes, you may experience a heightened, euphoric mood. You can feel invincible, have increased self-esteem, and exhibit extreme optimism.

HIGH Energy - There is often a surge in energy levels, leading to hyperactivity, restlessness, and a reduced need for sleep.

Impulsivity - You may engage in impulsive behaviors, like excessive spending, gambling, risky sexual behavior and bouncing through partners exhaustively. You may begin making grandiose plans without considering consequences. Launching without plan.

Racing Thoughts and Quick Speech - Your thoughts can feel like they are racing, like a train rushing past inches away. Speech speeds up to try and compensate, but it’s too much and people listening find it hard to keep up.

Hypo-manic Episodes

Like mania, “Hypo-mania” shares many features, but is generally less severe. You may still experience an increased sense of energy, creativity, and impulsivity but to a lesser extent.

Increased Productivity - Some people find that they are more productive during hypo-manic episodes, experiencing bursts of creativity and ambition.

Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes involve intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, and deep despair. It is often saturating, like a wet blanket, smothering out drive, energy, even hope.  It is profoundly depressive in both a physical and mental sense. It robs the joy from things you may have regularly gone to for comfort. Simple pleasures: like watching funny videos, reading on-line, checking-in with friends, it’s all exhaustive and just, too, much. The smallest things feel overwhelming.

Fatigue - Physical energy levels plummet, leading to a constant feelings of unmotivated, dragging.

Changes in Sleep and Appetite - You may experience insomnia or the opposite, excessive sleep, needing sleep like never before.  There are sometimes changes in appetite, eating, too, little or, too, much, binging, or even forgetting to eat entirely.

Negative Thoughts - You may have negative thoughts about yourself, experience feelings of guilt, and contemplate or attempt suicide. It’s very important to have a plan in place, a therapist and instant access to support! REMEMBER - If you are someone you love is experiencing a crisis, DIAL 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Mixed Episodes

In some cases, individuals may experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, or in rapid-cycling, leading to a very complex emotional state.

High Risk - Mixed episodes often carry a higher risk of impulsive behaviors and suicidal thoughts.

Experiencing Bipolar Disorder with mixed episode most often requires both psychiatric and psycho-therapeutic services. Systems Family Therapy works with medical providers to bring the best coordinated mental health to you and your loved ones.

We help you reclaim control of your life.