If you experience episodes of very high energy, excitement, irritability and episodes of low energy, sadness, depression and possible suicidal ideation, you may have a challenging but treatable Bipolar Disorder.
Signs
Everyone has ups and downs. It may be time to reach out when your moods swing between very high and very low and start to affect your sleep, work, money or relationships.
How counselling helps
Early on
With your counsellor, you map your mood shifts and what tends to set them off, like poor sleep, stress or big life changes.
As you go
You build steady routines for sleep and stress. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which looks at how thoughts shape mood, helps you catch early warning signs.
Over time
You plan for the life you want, at work and at home, and agree on how to spot early signs of a mood shift so you can respond sooner.
Approaches
Where
About
If you experience episodes of very high energy, excitement, irritability and episodes of low energy, sadness, depression and possible suicidal ideation, you may have a challenging but treatable Bipolar Disorder. Experiencing ups and downs in mood is typical for any person, but what differentiates Bipolar Disorder from the everyday mood is its severity and frequency of occurrence. People who live with it experience chronic and episodic periods of great excitement, overactivity, delusions, and euphoria (known as mania) and other periods of feeling sad and hopeless (known as depression).
The rate of clinical diagnoses of bipolar disorder has increased over the last 20 years, especially among teenagers and children. The experience of bipolar disorder is highly personal, and no two individuals experience it in the same way. It can be difficult for individuals to fully understand how it affects them. Even when all symptoms are not present, it can still significantly impact psychosocial functioning. We understand that bipolar disorder is a complex condition with no single clear cause or solution. However, several risk factors may influence its development, type, and severity. These include genetics, current stress, trauma, existing mental health concerns such as ADHD or anxiety, age, and diet.
Fortunately, many different types of counselling have shown positive results with Bipolar Disorder that help people manage their highs and lows. In extreme cases of severity and full-blown mania and depression, medication is very helpful in managing symptoms to a point where counselling can be effective. Some of such counselling therapies include Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family therapy, and group psychoeducation.
We understand how challenging Bipolar Disorder symptoms can be to manage, especially with a small support system. Many incredibly productive people who experience this Disorder live a more balanced life by understanding and managing their symptoms while also preventing the progression of Bipolar through counselling.
American Psychological Association (APA). (2012). Myths and Realities About Bipolar Disorder [web log]. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/10/bipolar-disorder.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
FAQs
Can't find your answer? Ask us a question.
You do not need to be sure before you reach out. If shifts between very high and very low moods are affecting your sleep, work, money or relationships, talking with a counsellor can help. You can share as much or as little as you like. We offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video to help you decide.
No, you do not need a diagnosis to start counselling. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, a doctor or nurse practitioner can assess it. Counselling can support you before, during or after that process, and you decide what you want to talk about.
Yes, many people use counselling alongside care from their doctor. Our counsellors do not give medication advice, so please talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner about any questions on your medication. In sessions, you can talk about how you feel day to day and note questions to bring to your next appointment.
Yes, a partner or family member can join some sessions if that fits what you need. Mood changes can affect the people close to you, and they may want to learn how to support you. You decide who joins, when, and what is shared.
Please reach out for help now, and do not wait for a session. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger. Once you are safe, your counsellor can talk with you about what happened, at your own pace.