Bipolar disorder is considered to be one of the most severe and complex mental health conditions. It’s also a lifelong disorder needing ongoing treatment from Nneka Okoh Godwin, PMHNP, at Calm Psychiatry, PC. The practice is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but all their services are provided online, including the medication management and psychotherapy you need to live a fulfilling life with bipolar disorder. To schedule a telehealth appointment, call the office or use online booking today.

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What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition affecting your mood and energy. The condition is best known for causing extreme swings between mania (high energy) and depression (low energy). However, the severity and frequency of your symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes episodes of severe mania and major depression. The manic episodes last at least seven days and typically cause debilitating symptoms that require hospitalization to stabilize your mood. Most people have periods of neutral mood between the swings.

Bipolar II disorder

While bipolar II disorder causes major depression, your high-energy swings are less severe than full-blown mania. These episodes, called hypomania, rarely disrupt your daily life.

Cyclothymic disorder

If you have cyclothymic disorder, you have frequent mood swings that go on for at least two years, but your symptoms are mild and don’t qualify as major depression or hypomania.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Mania and hypomania cause symptoms such as:

  • Talking rapidly
  • Having excessive energy
  • Needing little to no sleep
  • Experiencing racing thoughts
  • Having an inflated sense of self-importance
  • Engaging in risky behaviors (like overspending or driving while drinking)

A severe manic episode may also cause delusions and hallucinations. Delusions refer to false beliefs, while hallucinations mean you hear, see, feel, or smell things that aren’t there.

Major depression causes the following symptoms:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless
  • Losing interest in your favorite activities
  • Withdrawing from your partner, friends and family
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Eating more or less than usual (and gaining or losing weight)
  • Struggling to make decisions
  • Feeling extreme fatigue or energy loss
  • Thinking about or attempting suicide

Depression frequently causes physical symptoms. You may experience muscle aches, headaches, or chronic pain.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires medication to stabilize your moods and prevent manic and depressive swings. Medication management at Calm Psychiatry, PC, supports your ongoing mental health and can be done through telehealth appointments.

Psychotherapy is also essential for helping you live your best life with bipolar disorder. You can learn coping skills for managing bipolar disorder’s effect on your personal, social, and professional relationships. You may also discover ways to prevent mood swings and overcome anxiety or insomnia.

Don’t wait to seek help for bipolar disorder. Call Calm Psychiatry, PC, or book a telehealth appointment online today.