Bipolar Disorder Counselling
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, so it is important to continue treatment even when you are feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and to stay symptom-free. Suicidal thoughts or tendencies are a major risk factor. Bipolar disorder counselling will involve identifying the major problem areas you experience, help you to accept the diagnosis, help to educate you about bipolar moods, help you understand ways to identify warning signs, and implement intervention strategies to manage stress.
Your first session involves initial assessment of your well being and a thorough intake of your personal history and background. Subsequent therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, and are unique to each individual treatment plan.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by unpredictable, serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. It can be seen as experiencing two extremes: the highs of mania and the lows of depression. Mania and depression are seen as separate cycles, which last for days, weeks, or months. Triggers for either cycle include: stress, substance abuse, medication changes, seasonal changes, and/ or sleep deprivation. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function and carry out daily duties.
During a manic episode, a person might make very impulsive decisions, such as spend a lot of money, abuse substances, or abuse sex. They may also have very high energy, and/ or function on very little sleep. While this feeling may be enjoyable at the beginning, this can lead to a tendency to spiral out of control and often leads to decisions one may regret. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed, feel hopelessness, have high irritability, have a lack of appetite, and/ or have suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder is often hereditary. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. If you have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, with proper treatment and support, you can lead a rich and fulfilling life.
Bipolar Disorder Counselling in Etobicoke & Toronto
Services offered at Balanced Mind and Wellness Inc. include: bipolar disorder counselling, bipolar disorder therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and interpersonal talk therapy.