Some people feel they can overcome mood disorders without therapy. Because of the severity of the condition, though, bipolar disorder treatment is more of a necessity than luxury. Very few people with this condition have symptoms they can manage on their own. In fact, over 80 percent of those suffering from the illness encounter serious impairment.

Transformations at Mending Fences is a treatment center that recognizes the significant and unique challenges presented by this disease. If you think you or a loved one may need bipolar disorder treatment, take a moment to review all the following information. This will help you decide the best way to move forward with combatting this condition.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder once went by the terminology ‘manic-depressive illness,’ and this is a sufficient description of the disease itself. This mental disorder causes sufferers to experience unusual shifts in their energy levels, mood, concentration and activity levels. It’s rare for the condition to not interfere with a person’s life. That’s what makes bipolar disorder treatment so essential.

The number of people diagnosed with this mental illness has been increasing in recent years. In fact, a 40-fold increase occurred among children and adolescents in recent years. While the condition affects only about 1 percent of the population in America, it has serious consequences for those it touches. Extreme changes in mood can turn serious quickly.

Those seeking bipolar disorder treatment often learn for the first time that there are several types of this condition. One of the common features of every type, though, is recurring episodes of depression. Since up to 70 percent of those who attempt suicide suffer from depression, failing to seek treatment can be a dangerous decision.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder identified so far. Unfortunately, even this depth of knowledge hasn’t identified all potential conditions. As discussed below, some people experience bipolar disorder that doesn’t meet the criteria of the main types. Most individuals undergoing bipolar disorder treatment, however, will fall into one of these three categories:

• Bipolar I Disorder: When someone thinks of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it’s Type I they’re usually envisioning. Sufferers deal with manic episodes that last at least a week or result in hospitalization due to their severity. Depressive episodes are also common, and these last at least two weeks.
• Bipolar II Disorder: The second type of bipolar disorder features milder bouts of mania – known as hypomanic episodes – but instances of depression can be just as severe.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Hypomanic and depressive symptoms occur for at least two years, but the symptoms do not rise to the diagnostic criteria of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Children and adolescents need to have symptoms for one year for a diagnosis.

Anyone seeking bipolar disorder treatment knows the condition can be unpredictable. Even after a diagnosis, there may still be unknowns. Those who experience symptoms but don’t fall into these three categories, for instance, are said to have unspecified bipolar disorder. And in some cases, Bipolar I Disorder can cause simultaneous feelings of depression and mania.

This is one condition where “toughing it out” simply isn’t an option. Even if prior treatment attempts have failed, it’s important to know that there is an appropriate therapeutic approach available for you. This is why Transformations at Mending Fences offers so many options – ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy to partial hospitalization – to help you take your life back.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder treatment is often only sought after symptoms become problematic. Unfortunately, many people suffering from the condition don’t recognize the potentially harmful effects of their mood alterations. This is especially the case if they feel they’re productive during manic episodes. This is one reason many people don’t seek help.

If you or a loved one experience the following symptoms of manic or depressive episodes, now is the time to seek bipolar disorder treatment:

Manic Episodes

• Feeling wired or jumpy.
• Decreased need for food and sleep.
• Feelings of elation or irritability.
• Racing thoughts and speech.
• Engage in risky behaviors.
• Overestimating their own power, talent or importance.

Depressive Episodes

• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
• Inability to perform simple tasks or concentrate.
• Increased appetite.
• Forgetfulness.
• Feeling worried.
• Inability to fall asleep or sleeping more than normal.

These symptoms often last for most of a day. Unfortunately, they can also potentially go on for several days or even weeks. Do not underestimate the ability of this condition to cause serious harm. “Wait and see” is not an acceptable course of action, and attempts to self-medicate can lead to substance abuse disorder and increased side effects.

If you’re experiencing a mood disorder, seek help immediately.

Do I Need Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Some people experience symptoms of mental illness so mild that they lead normal lives without treatment. Unfortunately, this is very unlikely for those dealing with bipolar disorder. If you start to notice symptoms, their severity will no doubt increase. And even if your symptoms have subsided, they typically will resurface over time.

In fact, some individuals may see no symptoms at all between episodes. This doesn’t mean they’re out of the woods. When symptoms do reemerge, they may be more serious than before. Anyone having suicidal thoughts or who may pose a danger to others should seek emergency care right away.

Those who are not experiencing a medical emergency, though, should still seek bipolar disorder treatment. This condition may not appear until adulthood, and some women do not experience symptoms until pregnancy or childbirth. Whenever it becomes apparent that you have a problem, though, seeking treatment is the only way to keep your life on track.

Get Bipolar Disorder Treatment Today

Many people feel they can deal with their issues without seeking mental health treatment programs. For those dealing with mild cases of their specific condition, this might be a real possibility. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case for anyone suffering from bipolar disorder. Studies show that 25-60 percent of people with this condition will attempt suicide at least once.

The facts are indisputable: bipolar disorder isn’t something you can face on your own. Transformations at Mending Fences offers a variety of bipolar disorder treatment options that cater to the individual. No two people are exactly alike, so therapeutic needs will differ. If you’re ready to find a program that really works, contact us today.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4536929/

PsychCentral

https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-story-behind-the-rise-in-bipolar-diagnoses/