Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, there are treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and live healthy, productive lives. Therapy is one effective treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about how therapy from the Therapy Group of DC can help people with bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. These mood swings can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their everyday life. Bipolar disorder is a relatively common mental illness, affecting approximately 2.6 percent of the American population. It can occur in people of any age but is most commonly diagnosed in those aged 18 to 24.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness and is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar II disorder is also a severe form of the illness but is characterized by episodes of hypomania (a milder form of mania) and depression. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania and depression that occur more frequently than in people without bipolar disorder but do not meet the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder.
Bipolar disorder can be a very debilitating illness and can cause significant problems in a person’s personal, social, and occupational life. However, with proper treatment, many people with bipolar disorder are able to live relatively normal lives.
Can therapy help people with bipolar disorder?
There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for people with bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that can help people learn how to manage their symptoms. CBT helps people understand the thoughts and feelings that contribute to their mood swings. It also teaches them how to change the way they think and behave in order to improve their moods.
Family-focused therapy is a collaborative approach that involves the entire family. The therapist helps the family members understand bipolar disorder and how it impacts the person with the illness and the family as a whole. The therapist also teaches the family members how to support the person with bipolar disorder and how to manage their own stress and emotions.
Self-management education may also be beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder. Self-management education includes teaching individuals about their illness, how to identify warning signs and symptoms, and how to best manage their bipolar disorder.
How do you find a good therapist to treat bipolar disorder?
Finding the right therapist for bipolar disorder can be a daunting task. It is important to do your research and ask questions before settling on a therapist. There are many factors to consider when looking for a therapist, such as their training and experience, as well as their approach to therapy.
Ideally, a good therapist will have received specialized training in bipolar disorder. However, even if they haven’t treated bipolar disorder specifically, it is important that they are open to working with people who have the condition and are knowledgeable about its symptoms and treatment options.
When meeting with potential therapists, be sure to ask them about their approach to therapy. Some therapists prefer to take a more directive approach while others prefer to let the patient lead the session. If you aren’t sure which approach would work best for you, ask your potential therapist about their style and how they would handle different situations.
Finally, trust your gut instinct when choosing a therapist. If something doesn’t feel right or if you don’t think the therapist is a good fit for you, move on and keep looking until you find someone who makes you feel comfortable.
