Bipolar Scenarios
Consider this scenario:
Friends call me moody. Why? I must admit, yes, one day I am in a good mood. Everybody and everything is fine. I am happy. I sleep well and perform well. The next time I am irritable- explosive toward any form of negativity. I am grumpy in the morning- sometimes reluctant to get out of bed. My performance on the job is tense- even combative. My attitude and behavior is unpredictable. Family, friends and coworkers don’t know what to expect. Sometimes they avoid me- or at least they test me out, at a distance, to gauge my mood for the day.
Am I bipolar? Or just moody?
This is a matter of degree. “People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called “mood episodes.” Each mood episode represents a drastic change from a person’s usual mood and behavior. An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode. Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior go along with these changes in mood”. (National Institute of Mental Health-NIMH)
Mania (manic episode) can appear as joyfulness; however, to the person experiencing it, it is not- far from it.
Depression seems to be the state to be most avoided- by those around you and especially by you. Probably, depression is your best impetus for seeking help- possibly getting an anti-depressive medication. But don’t be surprised if your physician includes a mood-stabilizer as well.
Yes, you have taken that most important first step. But be cautious about expecting a “cure”. Bipolar is long term. Science has not yet found a “cure”. This could mean lots of office visits to your physician for medication maintenance and adjustments as well as regular sessions with your mental health professional. There is hope (Never give up hope). You can be stabilized. Your life can be worthwhile…and productive.
Treatment is available
“Treatment is more effective if you work closely with a doctor and talk openly about your concerns and choices. An effective maintenance treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy”. (WebMD)
This is where Counseling on Demand comes in. You need not go through this alone. With our support, you can get through these times.
We can help.
Our services can be particularly helpful in your situation; that is, you need not put up with the inconvenience of getting in your car to drive to your therapist’s office week after week; in fact, you needn’t leave your favorite/private place at all. Nor must you wait for an appointment. We are there 24/7. You can begin in 24 hours or less.
You may contact us now. Your first consultation is free.
We await your call, email or text directly. If you want a face-to-face, we can Skype you on your computer, cell phone or tablet.
