Getting a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can be overwhelming. It’s a big diagnosis, but with the right treatment many people are living normal and happy lives with Bipolar Disorder. Therapy for Bipolar Disorder is very effective. Often, counseling is combined with medication to achieve the best outcomes.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
If you suspect you have Bipolar Disorder (you can see the common signs and symptoms here-link to Bipolar therapy page), it’s important first to stay calm and not self-diagnose. The signs and symptoms of true Bipolar Disorder can be tricky and subtle. They can also appear for reasons other than real Bipolar Disorder, such a recent or past trauma, certain drug use, and other medical conditions. So hang tight, don’t jump to conclusions and seek out a qualified therapist to get an accurate diagnosis.
Having Bipolar Disorder Doesn’t Define You
If you are evaluated and do have Bipolar Disorder, don’t let it define you. People often say “I’m Bipolar” or “She’s acting Bipolar.” But Bipolar Disorder is something that you have, not something that you are. You are worthy, lovable, capable, strong, and kind. Your brain happens to work in a way that gives rise to a basket of symptoms that doctors have decided to give a name to. It doesn’t define your character or say anything about who you are as a person. Take care to not let a diagnosis become your identity. Your loved ones, and especially your therapist, should reflect that and help you separate who you are from any challenges that you face.
Getting Your Bipolar Treatment Team in Place
Once you get an accurate diagnosis, it’s time to get your treatment team in place (your therapist and usually a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to manage any medications). It’s ideal to get a therapist and med provider that have experience treating Bipolar Disorder. They should make you feel heard, validate your experience, and clearly explain their treatment methods. Helpful questions to ask are:
- What is your experience treating Bipolar Disorder?
- How does therapy for Bipolar Disorder work?
- How will be know we are making progress?
- Will you help me create treatment goals?
- What does a good outcome look like?
You Can Control Your Symptoms
In therapy, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how bipolar disorder affects you. You will also work with your therapist on techniques and strategies to control your symptoms, stabilize your mood, ride out any episodes you may have and eventually most past mood episodes altogether. Many people who have treated their bipolar disorder lead happy and healthy lives. With your symptoms in control and your treatment team to support you, you can live your life without the drama of bipolar disorder derailing you.
Some things you may work on with your therapist are:
- Mindfulness skills
- Meditation
- Tracking your mood to understand patterns
- Self-care and self-regulation skills
- Stopping downward spirals
- Calming yourself down when too activated
- Psychological grounding skills
- Relaxation techniques
- Reality-Testing your thoughts
Therapy for Bipolar Disorder is Effective, and Will Help You Live a Healthier Life
Many of the strategies and techniques you will learn in counseling for bipolar disorder will help you lead a happier, healthier life. Everyone (regardless of having a mental health diagnosis), will benefit from learning how to:
- Feel calm and centered
- Identify and articulate your needs and wants
- Recognize if you’re getting too angry, worked-up, or excited
- Reflect on yourself and your own patterns in order to make new ones
- Get the most support and love from your relationships
These aren’t just “things people with bipolar disorder need.” These are “things all people need.” There’s a reason why people who have faced challenges and gotten expert help come out the other side stronger and more effective in their lives.
Help is Here
Our kind and caring therapists are here to help if you have bipolar disorder. It’s a big step, but the first step to feeling better is to contact us and get the support you deserve.