Could you have bipolar disorder? Many men and women are diagnosed with this condition each year. Many more have it and do not know it. The good news is that once you recognize the signs and get proper bipolar disorder treatment, you can improve your quality of life and achieve more of your goals. Our team at South Tampa Psychiatry can help you do that. To learn more, contact our team today at 866.273.5017.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder. It’s most common indications include extreme changes in a person’s mood. A person may go from being very happy to becoming very depressed. These low to high and high to low changes can happen quickly or over time. Sometimes people even feel as though they are both in a high stage and a low stage at the same time. As a very complex disorder, bipolar disorder is often misunderstood.
These changes in highs and lows are called periods of mania (high) or periods of depression (low). They can be so significant that your friends may notice them.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
If you’re struggling with depression and periods of extreme highs, you may have bipolar disorder. Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs.
Mania signs include:
- Feeling very happy or on a high (often lasting for a long period of time)
- Easily distracted and having a hard time focusing
- Lack of a need for sleep
- Talking fast
- Having racing thoughts
- Engaging in risky behavior such as impulsive sex or big spending sprees
Depression signs include:
- No longer having an interest in things you like
- Feeling sad and hopeless for a long time
- Thinking about suicide or death often
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of energy and significant fatigue
- Withdrawing from friends and family
If you are feeling like this, it may be time to consider treatment. The sooner you do, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome.
What Is Bipolar Disorder Treatment Able to Do?
During bipolar disorder treatment, our goal is to help you to learn about your condition and to provide you with medication and therapy to better manage it.
The first step is to determine which type of bipolar disorder you have. There are several forms related to your symptoms. Once we work to achieve that information, we can then create a treatment plan to address your needs.
Bipolar disorder treatment often includes medications. A medication-assisted treatment program can help to balance hormones and thoughts to ensure that you are not having as many highs or lows or that those instances are less dramatic. This can help to improve your quality of life right away for many people.
We also incorporate therapy into your treatment. That includes behavioral therapy and talk therapy designed to help you control the condition.
It is also important to know that many people who have bipolar disorder also struggle with substance abuse. If that is happening to you, we may recommend the use of drug detox centers and our addiction treatment experts. We want you to be aware of withdrawal symptoms and what happens during detox as well.
Investing in your health and future starts with recognizing your symptoms of bipolar disorder. It takes time to recognize that the way you are feeling isn’t normal. It also does not have to be like that.
The First Step Is to Call South Tampa Psychiatry
When the time comes to get help for bipolar disorder, our team at South Tampa Psychiatry is here to help you. With experienced, trusted professionals who can provide for your best outcome, we’re here to guide you to a better quality of life. Call 866.273.5017 to learn more about bipolar disorder treatment.
