Bipolar Disorder Therapy in Connecticut and Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Many times, people suffering from bi-polar disorder need positive coping tools. Often, impulsive behaviors, addiction, and intense emotional relationships are some signs. In this article, you can learn more about bi-polar disorder symptoms, treatment, and how Wisdom Within Counseling specializes.
To start, bi-polar affective disorder describes a heterogeneous group of conditions in which the core features are disturbances in mood. The two poles of the disorder comprise debilitating mood swings from intense euphoria or mania to severe depression. Mania is a severe state of psychomotor activation with euphoric or irritable mood, and may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms (20% of acute manic patients).
Holistic, creative, and skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut
Briefer or milder episodes without psychosis are termed hypomania. Patients who experience full manic episodes are classified as having the classic or type 1 bipolar disorder.Those who experience recurrent episodes of depression and only brief hypomanias are classified as
What are some symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Improving access to high-quality medical and behavioral health care for patients with mental illness remains one of the most distressing problems facing the health care system in the United States. While Connecticut’s behavioral health care system is considered to be among the nation’s top regarding access to care, demand has been rising, and funding cuts are straining the system. Annual total economic cost for Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia is $4.4 Billion in Connecticut. Here is an account of Bipolar disorder therapy in Connecticut and bipolar disorder symptoms.
To start, call or text 860-451-9364 for creative, holistic, DBT skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut.
What is a Bipolar Disorder? Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Everyone has ups and downs in mood. Feeling happy, sad and angry is normal. Bipolar disorder (BD) or manic-depressive illness is a serious mental illness that causes unusual, unstable, and intense shifts in mood. Also, changes in energy, activity levels, motivation, self-care, and day-to-day tasks are common. For instance, a family member’s moods may be high, low, and crazy. These swings do not only affect mood, and family life, but work and relationships. Bipolar disorder is no one’s fault. It does not come from a “weak” or unstable personality. Essentially, bi-polar is treatable.
People with bi-polar disorder are more likely to have a pat history of suicidal attempts
Recurring episodes of mania and depression can cause serious impairments in functioning, such as inconsistent work performance, increased divorce rates, violence, and psychosocial indisposition. Also, people with bipolar disorder account for between 3 and 14 percent of all suicides. To note, about 25 percent of bipolar disorder patients will attempt suicide. At Wisdom Within Counseling, we help give teens and young adults tools to cope with intense feelings in healthy ways. Often, bi-polar disorder is a trauma response. Further adding to the individual stress, 92 percent of individuals with BD experience another co-occurring psychiatric ailment during their lifetime. For instance, many people experience alcoholism, addiction, challenging romantic relationships. Of all psychiatric conditions, bi-polar disorder is the most likely to co-occur with alcohol or drug abuse disorders.
Do you or your loved one need positive, holistic coping tools for impulsivity, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, or bi-polar disorder? Start with a phone call today.
Causes of bipolar disorder and bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut
Also, several factors are in bipolar disorder. Sometimes, childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are a cause. To add, one single precise reason is varying. Essentially, it is uncertain to know if there was a mix of trauma or one single incident. However, there is strong evidence that biological factors, including genetics, play a role. Sometimes, it is hereditary. Other times, mutations in genes during conception may play a role. Lastly, scientists believe that changes to genes can lead to defective proteins being produced within brain cells.
We do know that bipolar disorder is not caused by too much stress or difficult family relationships.
However, these factors like trauma, may trigger an episode in someone who already has the bi-polar disorder. Now, bi-polar disorder is a simple imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or dopamine. Therefore, in combination with DBT skill therapies, Wisdom Within Counseling teaches positive coping tools. From DBT, IFS (internal family systems), and trauma therapy, we offer holistic, emotional confidence skills.
Types of bipolar disorder
Now, there can be three phases of bi-polar disorder. Some people experience manic (or mixed), depressed, and well phases during their illness. Such cases are known as bipolar-I disorder. A milder form of mania is called “hypomania. People, who have hypomania, depression and intervals without symptoms, but no full manic phases, are said to have bipolar-II disorder.
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To start, call or text 860-451-9364 for creative, holistic, DBT skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut.
Children, adolescents, couples, and bi-polar teenagers develop confidence, calming skills, and self-worth skills for self-esteem at Wisdom Within Counseling. These positive coping skills for releasing negative feelings in healthy ways support youth and adults. Overall, the Wisdom Within Counseling team specializes in helping families thrive after trauma. Through DBT skills, the marriage and family therapies help young adults with bi-polar disorder being emotionally ready for college years and in their couplehood and family one day.
Bipolar disorder is an episodic (that is, recurring) disorder. It typically consists of three states:
First off, with bi-polar disorder, you may experience a high state, called mania. Also, with bi-polar disorder, you may experience another, low state, called depression. From therapy, the team at Wisdom Within Counseling can help you create a well state. In this well state, many people feel normal, relaxed, confident, and function well. Call or text 860-451-9364 to begin in holistic counseling for confidence and clarity for bi-polar disorder.
What are manic episodes in bi-polar disorder?
Therefore, manias and depressions may be “pure” episodes. For instance, you may have only typical manic or depressive symptoms. Or, you may be mixed episodes. In these moments, they may consist of a mixture of both manic and depressive symptoms. Traditionally, mixed episodes are associated with a manic phase. So, terms such as “mixed mania” or “dysphoric mania” are often describe mixed states.
Call or text 860-451-9364 to begin in holistic counseling for confidence and clarity for bi-polar disorder.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder and seeking DBT therapy in Southeastern Connecticut
Mania
Sometimes, a person may seem abnormally and continuously high, irritable or expansive. Also, this state of mind in bi-polar disorder must last for at least one week. If this change in mood is accompanied by other symptoms given below, the person may be in a manic phase of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, people in a manic phase do not have only moody symptoms. For a manic episode to be diagnosed, they must also have at least three of the following bi-polar symptoms:
• Exaggerated self-esteem or feeling of grandiosity:
People feel unbeatable or all-powerful; they believe they know all about “how the world works” or how to save it. They may feel they have a special mission in life (e.g., that God has sent them or given them special powers).
• Less need for sleep:
People feel fully rested after just a few hours of sleep. Sometimes they may not sleep at all for days or even weeks.
• Increased talking:
People may talk very quickly, loudly and much more than usual. They may keep switching topics and may like to tell jokes or rhyme words and may become angry when interrupted.
• Flight of ideas or racing thoughts:
People with bi-polar disorder may be impatient with others who cannot follow their fast thinking and changing plans and ideas.
• Rapid and fast activity:
Also, people may be much more active and socialize more than usual. In the early manic phase, they may be productive. But, as symptoms worsen, people are more frantic in their activities and spin out of control. Often, people start many projects without finishing them.
• Psychotic symptoms:
People with bi-polar may experience symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions (beliefs that are not based in reality). Also, people with bi-polar disorder may also have hallucinations. Most often, they hear voices that are not really there.
• Poor judgment:
People may not be able to control or plan how they act. They may take part in unusual and risky activities without realizing the harmful consequences. For instance, drinking alcohol and driving or using drugs.
To start, call or text 860-451-9364 for creative, holistic, DBT skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut.
Hypomania in Bi-Polar Disorder
The symptoms of hypomania are less severe than those of mania. But, the bi-polar symptoms may still hold you back from a healthy lifestyle. Also, people with bi-polar disorder may feel happy and have lots of energy. But, people with bi-polar disorder need professional counseling. Lastly, hypomania may evolve to a full-blown manic episode or a severe depression, and therefore needs professional treatment.
Mixed state of emotional insuitability with bi-polar symptoms
Sometimes, people with bi-polar disorder and BPD symptoms do not always have “pure” manic episodes. Often, a mix of high and low moments persists. Also, if you have depressive episodes, seek counseling right away. Instead, people with bi-polar disorder may experience episodes where manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time. For example, someone may speak very rapidly. At the same time, the person may be very anxious and have suicidal thoughts. Mixed states are hard to diagnose and are very chaotic for the individual. To start, call or text 860-451-9364 for creative, holistic, DBT skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut.
Depression and Bi-polar Symptoms
For a major depressive episode, symptoms must last for at least two weeks, Symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder include at least five of the following:
Depressed mood:
The mood state in depression differs substantially from normal sadness. In fact, many people experiencing depression say they cannot feel sadness, and many people cannot cry when depressed. Sometimes, frequent crying in therapy is a positive result of letting go safely too. To note, being able to cry again often means the depression is improving.
Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be fun: When people are going through severe depression, they lose interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable and fun.
Weight loss or weight gain:
Many people lose weight when depressed, partly because they lose their appetite. However, one subgroup feels hungrier, and may develop a craving for carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods. This results in weight gain.
Sleep problems:
Many people suffer from insomnia: they have trouble falling asleep, wake up often during the night or wake very early in the morning. Other people oversleep, especially during the day; they have “hypersomnia.”
Apathy or agitation: In severe cases, people with depression may be unable to move, speak and respond to their environment. For some people, the opposite happens, and they become very angry. Also, agitation can lead to aggressive behaviors and conflict. Sometimes, people with depression are in conflict with severe inner restlessness. They cannot sit still, they pace, they may wring their hands. They may also show their agitation in other ways.
Loss of energy:
People experiencing depression find it hard to complete everyday chores. It takes them longer to perform at work or at home because they lack energy and drive.
Inability to concentrate or decide:
These symptoms may be so bad that people cannot do simple tasks. They may have trouble deciding on very small matters.
Suicidal thoughts:
People who are depressed often think that life is not worth living or that they would be better off dead. The risk of acting upon these thoughts is high, and many people do try to commit suicide when depressed.
Worthlessness and guilt:
Many people cannot stop thinking about past events. They may believe that God is punishing them for their past mistakes. Also, people with bi-polar disorder seeking therapy may be anxious. Lastly, they may have feelings of worthlessness and have low self-confidence. At Wisdom Within Counseling, we help people attract meaningful, healthy relationships from self-love.
Psychotic symptoms:
Symptoms of psychosis in depression may include false beliefs about being poor or being punished for past sins. People may believe that they have a deadly disease, such as cancer. They may also hear voices (auditory hallucinations) or may see things that do not exist (visual hallucinations).
Depressive symptoms also include:
Now, severe anxiety can go alongside depression. So, with bi-polar disorder you may first have frequent visits to your family doctor. Often, stomach pain and headaches are physical symptoms. Furthermore, in depression, you may not want to leave your home. Or, you may socially have anxiety, distance and emotionally withdraw. Also, with depressive disorders, you may lose interest in hobbies. Also, it is normal to have complaints about physical symptoms, including body pain. Further, people with depression may also have irritable bowel syndrome. At times, people with depression experience worries about small matters.
Psychiatric conditions that often co-occur with bipolar disorder: • panic disorder.
First, some symptoms of bipolar disorder include obsessive compulsive disorder, binge eating disorder, suicidal thinking, alcohol and substance abuse. To add, people with bi-polar disorder may also have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Also, bi-polar disorder and borderline personality disorder are very similar. Sometimes, borderline personality disorder and bi-polar get diagnosed together.
Treatment for bipolar Disorder in Connecticut
Treatment of bipolar disorder includes biological treatment (medication, mood stabilizers), Electroconvulsive therapy (ect), Psychoeducation, Psychotherapy, Peer support groups, Hospitalization or Rehabilitation.
Prior hospitalizations for mental health are common
Extended hospitalizations are common for patients with Serious Mental Illness but in Connecticut, despite having an overall high provider to resident ratio, there is a mismatch in distribution leaving 50% of the population living in a shortage area. People living with mental illness are much more to under arrests. Sometimes, people with bi-polar disorder develop alcoholism, get DUI’s, and end up in correctional facilities.
Bipolar disorder therapies in Connecticut
For one, psychotherapy is a very helpful treatment. For bipolar disorder, though, it only works as an add-on to medications, not as a substitute. So, a mix of medication an holistic DBT skill therapies help impulsive symptoms. Essentially, every person with bi-polar disorder needs therapy and medication. Overall, therapy teaches positive coping skills that help you deal challenging, intense emotions. Further, practical DBT skills and emotional support are the main features of supportive therapy. So here is an account of bipolar disorder therapy in Connecticut.
To start, call or text 860-451-9364 for creative, holistic, DBT skill-based bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in bi-polar disorder treatment in Waterford, Connecticut
To add, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is supports the idea that beliefs or thoughts influence how we look at ourselves and the world. And, we have a strong influence on our mood and behavior. Furthermore, cognitive therapy attempts to help people with bi-polar disorder identify and change suicidal, impulsive, negative thoughts. So, from bi-polar disorder therapy in Connecticut to improve mood, build self-esteem, and confidence. Also, CBT in bipolar disorder, is promising, both in preventing future episodes and in treating depression. Lastly, anxiety is common in bipolar disorder. So, at Wisdom Within Counseling cognitive-behavioral therapy is helpful for more severe anxiety problems, such as panic attacks.
Click the pink button below to book a free 30-minute phone consultation for positive coping skills for bi-polar disorder. Wisdom Within Counseling offers telehealth online video sessions and face-to-face.
Insight-oriented or psychodynamic psychotherapy
Insight-oriented or psychodynamic psychotherapy reduces distress by helping a person gain insight into the underlying motives of his or her overall behavior. While this is not a specific treatment for bipolar disorder, it can be very helpful to exercise, eat well, and learn coping tools. Often, self-awareness of negative patterns can lead to new ones. Also, increased self-knowledge leads to more effective management of symptoms.
Holistic counseling, DBT-skills and bi-polar disorder recovery
Family and couple therapy
Family and couple therapy can help address problems that may have been there before the bi-polar, like conflict. Also, therapy helps highlight positive communication skills for anger, anxiety, and trauma. Therefore, therapy helps people deal with family conflict that is present as a result of bi-polar disorder. During a bi-polar episode, family life can feel hectic and challenging. So, family or a spouse needs professional support and education. Overall, family therapy or marital therapy can help your whole family become calm, strong, and stable.
Conclusion about seeking bi-polar disorder therapy in Waterford, Connecticut and through online counseling
To add, bi-polar disorder not only affects you, but also your family. Consequently, family members can receive family therapy treatment. Furthermore, families may feel afraid and need time to process these feelings. Overall, there are emotional consequences surrounding a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder. For instance, one is a disruption of socialization with family and friends. Often, bi-polar disorder therapy includes sessions for family. When deciding what treatment is best, health care workers will ask you about your family’s history.
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How does Wisdom Within Counseling in Connecticut specialize with bi-polar disorder and borderline personality disorder?
Well, we use DBT, IFS, and traditional therapy. And, the marriage and family therapists offer online texting, phone, video sessions and in person using creative art, yoga, music, animals, and outdoor therapies for overall mental wellness and positive coping outlets for inner peace. In addition to talking in counseling the team of therapists offer unique alternatives. Art and music therapies promote a universal language beyond words. Creative art guided by your therapist can help with improving communication and empathy skills. We have an art table, paints, gel pens, watercolors, clay, and more.
Creative art helps promotes anxiety coping skills, self-love, and letting go of negative emotions in healthy ways for bi-polar.
Also, outdoor walking therapies help mild depression and can be a lifelong coping skill. We are all about helping you clear your mind, creating a calm life, and helping you feel confident. Yoga, mediation, and breathing therapies can also help with panic attacks, anxiety, and building meaningful, healthy relationships with others, all from self-care. These experiences, positive coping, and holistic skills help you love yourself, lay a foundation for emotional development and healthy relationships, so you can be the best you can be. At Wisdom Within Counseling, we specialize in more than just talk counseling for anxiety and self-confidence skills.
Holistic therapy can help caregivers maintain their mental stability.
Since there is no known cure for bi-polar disorder, family members can continue to seek education and understanding for supporting loved ones. Therefore, stress that caregivers of family members with bi-polar are under may lead to missed work. Sometimes, life can feel chaotic for a whole family. Also, alcoholism and addiction are very common with bi-polar disorder. When caring for a parent with bi-polar disorder, children may miss school. To add, caregivers lose free time, and end up with strained relationships themselves. At Wisdom Within Counseling, we understand how a bi-polar diagnosis can impact everyone. Therefore, we help children with ADHD, autism and anxiety as well as parents and families.
Call/text 860-451-9364 to begin with a phone consult.
Furthermore, bi-polar disorder may cause physical and mental exhaustion for you and your family. And, bi-polar disorder is often confusing for friends and family. Stress from care giving can make it hard to cope with a loved one’s bipolar symptoms. It is important that people caring for those with bipolar disorder also take care of themselves.
