Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that used to be called “manic depression.” Bipolar disorder generally involves fluctuations in a person’s mood, from depression to an elevated, euphoric high. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be managed and treated effectively by participating in a bipolar treatment program.
Understanding the symptoms of bipolar disorder and knowing when and how to get help are important steps in helping yourself or someone you love. If you or a loved one requires the care of a bipolar treatment program, reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. Our programs are designed to empower people to recover from mental illness and live full, healthy lives. Call 833.625.0458 for more information, or fill out an online intake form here.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
One common symptom of bipolar disorder is significant changes in a person’s mood. Bipolar disorder was previously known as “manic depression,” but the name was changed to help reduce the stigma surrounding this mental health condition. The term bipolar disorder was adopted instead and describes the two extremes in mood that are central to this condition. Bipolar disorder can present in two different ways.
Bipolar 1
When someone has at least one manic episode, they may be diagnosed with Bipolar 1. Mania is characterized by having more energy, needing less sleep, being hyperactive or restless. For some, mania will also include psychosis. Hospitalization may be required to stabilize a person in the midst of a manic episode.
Bipolar 2
Someone might be diagnosed with Bipolar 2 if they have a major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks and a hypomanic episode of four or more days. Hypomania is a period of increased energy, decreased sleep, and increased activity that is less severe than a true manic episode. Hypomania usually does not require hospitalization.
What Bipolar Help is Available?
While there is no cure for Bipolar disorder, effective treatment allows people to manage their symptoms and live full, healthy lives. Treatment for bipolar disorder can include a combination of medication, therapy, and holistic practices.
Medications are prescribed to stabilize a person’s mood, reduce depression, or treat anxiety. Therapy practices like Cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychoeducation can give people the skills to recognize symptoms before they become unmanageable and to reduce stress in their daily lives.
These are symptoms of mania that require immediate intervention and treatment.
During a depressed episode, someone might:
- Feel hopeless or sad
- Have very little energy
- Experience sleep disruptions
- Not enjoy things they used to
- Fall behind at work, school, or home
- Feel suicidal or have thoughts of death
These symptoms of depression often require immediate treatment.
Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but recognizing common symptoms can be a first step in getting the help you or a loved one needs. A doctor will be able to do the testing required to diagnose bipolar disorder. Then you can choose an effective bipolar treatment program.
Learn More About the Bipolar Treatment Program at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or someone you care about needs supportive bipolar disorder treatment, you are not alone. At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health, we offer a variety of programs to help people overcome their mental illness and live healthy, self-directed lives. Our programs include:
- A residential treatment center
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- PTSD treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
If you are ready to take the first step in taking care of your mental health, we will walk the rest of the way with you. Call 833.625.0458 today or fill out an online intake form here.
