Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by periods of intense emotional states that significantly affect a person’s mood, energy, behavior, and activity levels.
These mood episodes can last from days to weeks, and typically range from the manic/hypomanic phase – characterized by high energy, impulsive behavior, and sometimes euphoria or unusual irritability – to depressive phases, marked by intense sadness, low energy, an inability to experience joy or pleasure, and feelings of hopelessness.
The condition affects around 2.8% of adults in the United States each year, with symptoms most often emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood.
As the shifts in mood are so much more severe than those experienced by others, bipolar disorder typically impacts not only the individual, but also their relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, often creating challenges in maintaining stability in these areas.
Without treatment, bipolar disorder can lead to strained relationships, difficulty maintaining employment, and even physical health issues. This is why psychotherapies like bipolar disorder supportive therapy, are so essential – they help individuals understand their emotional states and equip them with tools to navigate the challenges bipolar disorder brings.
Types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar disorder isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several types, each with unique characteristics. The three main types of bipolar disorder are as follows:
Bipolar I disorder:
Bipolar I is defined as having had at least one manic episode lasting at least seven days, or requiring hospitalization. This is often followed by major depressive episodes that typically last at least two weeks, although episodes of depression aren’t required for a bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder:
Bipolar II is defined as having had at least one major depressive episode of at least two weeks, and at least one hypomanic episode, which is a shorter (4+ days) and less severe version of mania. Bipolar II disorder is often misunderstood as a “milder” form of bipolar, but this is not accurate. While it does not include full-blown mania, its depressive episodes are often more persistent and debilitating.
Cyclothymic disorder:
Also known as cyclothymia, this is when a person doesn’t meet the specific criteria for bipolar I or II, but experiences near-constant unstable moods over a period of at least two years – including episodes of both hypomania and mild depression – with any normal-mood periods lasting no longer than eight weeks during this time. While the symptoms of cyclothymia aren’t severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria of bipolar I and II, they can impact a person’s life just as much.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for bipolar disorder to be misdiagnosed or overlooked, mostly because its symptoms can overlap with conditions such as major depression, anxiety disorders, or ADHD.
How to manage bipolar disorder?
No matter how down or out of control you feel, it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless when it comes to bipolar disorder. Beyond the treatment you get from your doctor or therapist, there are many things you can do for yourself to reduce your symptoms and stay on track.
Living well with bipolar disorder requires certain adjustments. Like diabetics who take insulin or recovering alcoholics who avoid drinking, if you have bipolar disorder, it’s important to make healthy choices for yourself. Making these healthy choices will help you keep your symptoms under control, minimize mood episodes, and take control of your life.
Managing bipolar disorder starts with proper treatment, including medication and therapy. But there is so much more you can do to help yourself on a day-to-day basis. These tips can help you influence the course of your illness, enabling you to take greater control over your symptoms, to stay well longer, and to quickly rebound from any mood episode or relapse.
What is bipolar disorder supportive therapy?
Supportive therapy is a term that can carry different meanings.
It is in fact a type of psychotherapy, and perhaps even one of the most commonly used, as it occurs in almost every therapist-patient encounter. However, it’s one of the least written about or studied, and as such isn’t particularly well-known as a specific type of psychotherapy.
For this reason, people sometimes understand supportive therapy to be any therapy that is supportive, or that supports another treatment – such as psychotherapy supporting medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
In the case of bipolar, both meanings are important as well as valid.
Research has shown that people with bipolar are more likely to get well faster and stay well if their medication treatment is supported by intensive psychotherapy. Therapy is therefore a vital “supportive treatment” for bipolar disorder.
However, supportive therapy itself – i.e. as a specific type of psychotherapy – is also an important aspect.
Bipolar disorder supportive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where a person feels validated and understood. Rather than delving into your past or your inner psyche, it’s focused on providing empathy, encouragement, and validation as you go through difficult circumstances or challenges.
For people with bipolar disorder, supportive therapy can help them better understand their condition, navigate the emotional impact of mood episodes, and develop strategies to maintain stability. This is particularly helpful when first starting to work with a therapist as it helps build trust and a strong patient-therapist relationship. Many bipolar therapists will then start to integrate other psychotherapy approaches once that initial trust and bond is established.
Self-management strategies:
While dealing with bipolar disorder isn’t always easy, it doesn’t have to run your life. But in order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits can have a significant impact on your moods and may even lessen your need for medication.
The keys to bipolar disorder self-help:
Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your own recovery.
Get moving. Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise that activates arm and leg movement such as running, walking, swimming, dancing, climbing or drumming may be especially beneficial to your brain and nervous system.
Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Seek support. It’s important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your relationship.
Stay closely connected to friends and family. Nothing is as calming to the nervous system as face-to-face contact with caring supportive people who can just listen to you talk about what you’re experiencing.
Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping and eating habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.
Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.
When to seek help?
Anyone with concerns that they or their child may have bipolar disorder needs to seek professional guidance from a doctor or mental health care professional. The potential signs of bipolar disorder can include:
· significant changes in mood
· phases of being very energetic, hyperactive, and impulsive
· phases of depression, which may cause extreme sadness or apathy
People who already have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder should tell a doctor or therapist if they notice symptoms that may indicate an episode is developing.
If symptoms significantly worsen or include thoughts of self-harm or suicide, individuals need immediate support.
Final thoughts:
Coping skills for bipolar disorder can be employed in various scenarios across all age groups. By incorporating mindfulness, exercise, and structured routines into daily life, individuals can minimize the impact of mood shifts and better manage their condition. It may take several tries before you find the right treatment for bipolar disorder. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects or you feel like a certain medication or bipolar disorder supportive therapy aren’t working properly, talk with your doctor. They may be able to help you find a treatment that works for you.