Bipolar disorder is often thought of as a person going through extreme mood changes from a depressive to a manic state. However, it’s also a bit more complicated than that. Fortunately, at Park Ridge Psychological Services, serving Casper in person and all of Wyoming virtually, we can provide support for people with bipolar disorder through talk therapy. But what is it, how do you know you might have it, and what's the standard treatment approach?
Bipolar Defined
First and foremost, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that occurs when you have extreme swings in mood, activity level, and ease of focusing. You may go into a depressed state when you feel sad, hopeless, or empty. During a depressive phase, you may be more tearful than normal. Depressive states may include having less energy, losing interest in people or activities you enjoy, feeling fatigued, or sleeping more than normal, among other symptoms.
On the other hand, you'll go through manic episodes in which you're more active than usual, feel overly confident, feel like you need less sleep than usual, or talk more or faster than normal. People in manic episodes often act impulsively and recklessly.
Sometimes, your moods will shift within a week, but they could also shift much more slowly, and people with some kinds of bipolar disorder can potentially remain in a particular phase for years.
We'd like to note that going through mood changes is normal. Everybody feels an array of emotions, but they tend to change with what's going on in your life. With bipolar disorder, emotions are intense and often spur a person to act out-of-character.
Receiving Treatment in Casper, WY
If you're experiencing unexplained mood changes and extreme highs and lows, seek out treatment for a potential case of bipolar disorder. You can receive treatment with a therapist in Casper, WY, either in person or virtually.
We can provide you with cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you change negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones. Through this therapy, you'll learn to identify the signs that a shift in your mood is happening. Cognitive behavioral therapy could also consist of learning ways to reduce anxiety, get to sleep more easily, and avoid feeling helpless during depressive episodes. Therapy for you and your partner as a couple or you and your family can assist in improving your relationships and help your loved ones understand your needs.
Medication is often a part of your treatment that can help you better regulate your emotions. Combining medication and therapy is likely the best course of action.
Reach out to Park Ridge Psychological Services, serving Casper, WY, and the general vicinity in person and throughout Wyoming for virtual visits. Treatment for bipolar disorder is possible and may include talk therapy.