Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic-depressive disorder because those who suffer from the condition move between periods of extreme positive moods (mania) and crippling depression. Today, the definition of bipolar disorder is evolving as we continue to learn about the illness and how it is best treated. Living with bipolar disorder can be exhausting for both the one with the disorder and those who love them. For many, emotions and moods are often in the extreme – whether it is extreme sadness or euphoric happiness, there can be serious and sometimes dangerous implications such as risky behavior or suicidal tendencies. Like many other conditions, not everyone is affected in the same way. Some with bipolar disorder are highly functional. Others are so encumbered by the disorder that they struggle to maintain relationships, hold down jobs, and even struggle with daily tasks.

Living with bipolar disorder is like taking every emotion you feel and dialing it up as far as it can go. Sometimes you are on top of the world, full of energy, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Then before you know it you’re plummeting into darkness. You feel worthless, tired, and lack the motivation to do much of anything.

Struggling with bipolar disorder can be very difficult, especially when trying to cope with it alone. At Tacoma Christian Counseling, we offer the support you need to gain better control of your symptoms with client-centered Christian counseling for bipolar disorder.

Christian counseling for bipolar disorder aims to help you better manage the symptoms that go in hand with the extreme moods you experience. During times of mania, you might find yourself ablaze with ideas, energy, and easily become wrapped up in things that might be contrary to your values. In times of darkness, it can be hard to have faith in God’s presence in your life. Our hope is to show you that Christ is with you no matter where you are emotionally. Through faith and good Christian counseling, you can find balance and harmony.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar disorder can be treated using medications, therapy, or both. Your Tacoma Christian Counselor will consider the nature of your symptoms and may ask to include your physician in creating a treatment plan that will best work for you. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder uses specific forms of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal/social rhythm therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

• Cognitive-Behavioral therapy teaches you how to be more aware of your thoughts and emotions while learning how to modify harmful behavior. As your mood shifts, your thought patterns change also. Learning to be more aware of mood transitions and irrational thought will help you better control your emotions and the negative behaviors they trigger.
• Psychodynamic therapy helps you process painful past experiences and relationships while uncovering the effect these experiences have on your present behavior. Through self-awareness and understanding, you will come to terms with unresolved conflicts so you can build better relationships and move away from unhealthy means of coping.
• Interpersonal therapy helps you understand how bipolar disorder impacts your relationships while helping you reduce the strain the disorder might cause.
• Social rhythm therapy helps you develop and maintain healthy sleeping habits and functional daily routines.
• Family therapy offers support for you and your family. Your loved ones will gain a better understanding of bipolar disorder while learning how to best support you. They will also be given an opportunity to voice their emotions and concerns.
• Group therapy has been shown to be very helpful in treatment of bipolar disorder. Group counseling offers you support, coping skills, and compassion from others who struggle with bipolar disorder.

Consider this situation – have you ever been in this place?

At first I didn’t realize that I needed help or that I even wanted it. I kind of liked the manic phases. I felt good, had tons of energy, and was very productive. The downside was that I could also be angry and sometimes made bad decisions. The depression was awful and lasted much longer. With Christian counseling for bipolar disorder, I learned about my condition, and now I am more aware of when my moods are transitioning and I’m better prepared to handle it.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Children

Bipolar disorder is most common in older teens and young adults. There is some controversy over bipolar in children. Some say the condition can affect children as young as six years old, while other experts say that bipolar disorder in children is rare and over-diagnosed. If your child shows symptoms or has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, we can help. By focusing on the symptoms and unique needs of your child, Christian counseling for bipolar disorder can help your child or teen learn to manage and reduce their symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder in children relies on methods used for treating adults, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. For more information, see Christian counseling for children and Christian counseling for teens.

When it comes to bipolar disorder treatment, it’s important to get help from professionals you can trust. Because of the potentially dangerous nature of bipolar disorder, we encourage you to find the support you need right away. At Tacoma Christian Counseling, we can help you:

• Gain a better understanding of bipolar disorder and how it affects your life and those around you.
• Become more self-aware so that you recognize when your moods are cycling.
• Learn tools for managing negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Find support from those who understand the struggles and complexities of bipolar disorder.
• Discover peace and healing through forming a closer relationship with Christ.

If you or someone you love struggles with bipolar disorder, we are here to provide you with much needed guidance and support. Our compassionate counselors utilize a faith-based approach to bipolar counseling, allowing you to pull strength and wisdom from the word of God while leaning on Christ for healing and understanding.

Bipolar disorder can make you feel confused, helpless, and out of control. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder can help you and those you love better understand your symptoms, so you can work towards living a well-balanced and healthy life.

Am I Bipolar? Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar disorder affects nearly 3 percent of the adult population in the United States. Sadly, an estimated 51% of those with this condition don’t seek treatment, resulting in up to 17% taking their lives. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, know there is help for you. If you suspect that you or a loved one might have bipolar disorder, consider these symptoms:

• Bipolar Depression – Major depression is a condition in itself. What makes bipolar depression different is the cycling of moods between mania and depression. Episodes of bipolar depression last two weeks or more and are characterized by extreme sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Bipolar Mania – Bipolar mania episodes last at least one week. Symptoms can vary, but include elevated or extremely irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, high levels of motivation and goal setting, racing thoughts, increased involvement in pleasurable activities including promiscuity, spending sprees, and other risky behavior.
• Hypomania – A less severe form of bipolar mania (usually seen in bipolar disorder type 2), hypomania doesn’t always involve risky behavior but is rather associated with elevated mood and increased productivity.
• Mixed Episode – Sometimes difficult to describe to those who don’t experience these symptoms, a person experiencing mixed episodes feels both “up” and “down” at the same time. Symptoms of both mania and depression occur nearly every day for at least one week.
• Rapid-Cycling – This term describes those who transition from mania to depression at least four times in a 12-month period. Each episode must last long enough to be considered a distinct episode. Rapid-cycling can happen with both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

Perhaps you have faced this before:

I had no idea there were different kinds of bipolar disorder. After learning about it, I realized that I really did have a problem. That upset me at first, but it also gave me hope because I don’t have to settle for this anymore. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder gave me the support I needed to confront my problem and work towards finding solutions.

Tacoma Christian Counseling provides trusted psychological testing for those who suspect they might have bipolar disorder.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. Over the years, researchers have discovered that bipolar disorder includes different types, each with different experiences of mania and depression. Within these types are additional variations that, when diagnosed, make treatment for bipolar disorder more effective. Types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar disorder type 1 – Those with this type experience the usual symptoms we typically associate with bipolar disorder, including manic episodes lasting one week or more, periods of major depression, and mixed episodes.
• Bipolar disorder type 2 – A milder form of bipolar disorder, those with bipolar 2 experience less severe mood extremes and milder forms of mania known as hypomania, alternating with periods of severe depression.

No matter how severe or mild your bipolar symptoms might seem, you shouldn’t have to struggle alone. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder with Tacoma Christian Counseling can provide you with the tools you need for managing your symptoms.

How long does Christian counseling for bipolar disorder last?

The duration of Christian counseling for bipolar disorder varies from person to person. Your time frame depends on things like your symptoms, your responsiveness to treatment, and how dedicated you are to following your treatment plan. Your counselor will discuss your goals for treatment during your initial session.

How do I find the right Christian counselor?

First, make sure you find a counselor who specializes in Christian counseling for bipolar disorder. Tacoma Christian Counseling provides detailed online counselor profiles to help you find the right match for you.

Do I need medication?

Many people with bipolar disorder require medication for effective symptom control. If you’re interested in bipolar disorder treatment without medication, consult your doctor. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder is very effective and might offer an alternative to medications depending on your needs. In any case, your counselor may ask to will work with you and your physician to determine what is best for you.

What if I think my loved one is Bipolar?

Very often those with bipolar disorder, especially those who experience hypomania, might not realize that they have a problem. Sometimes it’s best to recommend a checkup, while a more direct approach works best for others. Approach the individual with compassion while stressing that they are not to blame and that bipolar disorder is a real and treatable condition. If you worry about their behavior causing harm to themselves or others, talk about it. Maybe knowing that you care about their well being will help motivate them to seek help.

Contact us Today to Schedule Your Risk-Free Initial Session

Are you tired of struggling with bipolar disorder symptoms? Give Christian counseling for bipolar disorder a try. At Tacoma Christian Counseling, we offer a risk-free initial session to ensure you find the right professional for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or give us a call at (253) 777-1997.