Bipolar

• Have you experienced mood swings – periods of depression preceded or followed by feeling so good, high, hyper or irritable that you were not yourself and have gotten into trouble?

We all have ups and downs but you have suffered from mood swings that were disabling. Periods of significant depression and periods of mania, or it’s milder form “hypomania”, can alternate.

If you ever had a full blown manic episode, you almost definitely know about it and will not forget its consequences. Although it has enjoyable moments, especially very early on, a manic episode is devastating for you and for your loved ones. In a manic state, you have boundless energy and feelings of euphoria or you might become extremely irritable, argumentative and demanding. Without any insight into your condition, you make poor judgements and lose friends, your job and your savings. The “high” is preceded or followed by significant depression. Your life is an emotional roller coaster of depression and mania.

• Each individual with bipolar spectrum disorder has unique characteristics and should be thoroughly assessed.
• Every person suffering from a bipolar spectrum disorder would benefit from connecting with a skilled psychotherapist.