What does it feel like to experience bipolar disorder? Many people say that at first it is amazing; their minds are revved up, expansive and creative. They have abundant energy, accomplish a lot and never have to sleep. Then it changes, and this exciting, super-charged world comes crashing down leaving the person exhausted, agitated and in the depths of despair. If you or a loved one have had this experience, learning more about bipolar disorder and how to treat it is essential.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes go beyond the usual ups and downs of everyday life. People who struggle with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically fall into two categories: manic (or hypomanic) episodes, and depressive episodes. These mood swings can disrupt sleep, relationships, decision-making, and overall quality of life.
Though bipolar disorder is a serious condition, it is manageable with the right combination of support, therapy, and sometimes medication. Many people with bipolar disorder often go on to live full, meaningful, and productive lives.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the phase a person is in. Some people cycle between moods quickly, while others may remain in one state for weeks or even months.
1. Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania (Elevated Mood)
Mania is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and high energy, typically lasting at least a week Hypomania is a milder form that lasts at least four days and is noticeable, but not severe enough to cause major impairment.
Symptoms may include:
Feeling unusually "high," euphoric, or overly energetic
Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feeling rested after only a few hours)
Racing thoughts or rapid speech
Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Increased goal-directed activity (e.g., starting multiple projects at once)
Poor judgment or impulsivity (e.g., spending sprees, risky behaviors)
Irritability or agitation
2. Symptoms of Depression (Low Mood)
During depressive episodes, a person may experience:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of energy
Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
People with bipolar disorder do not always cycle rapidly. Some may experience long stretches of stability between episodes, especially with effective treatment.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The causes of bipolar disorder are complex and not fully understood. It likely arises from a combination of biological, genetic, environmental and spiritual factors.
Genetics: Bipolar disorder often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has the condition, a person's risk is higher. However, not everyone with a family history will develop it.
Brain Structure and Function: Research suggests that differences in brain chemistry and structure may contribute to the disorder. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—chemicals that help regulate mood—are thought to play a role.
Stress and Trauma: Major life events, chronic stress, or early childhood trauma can sometimes trigger the onset of bipolar symptoms, especially in people already at risk.
Sleep Disruption: Irregular sleep patterns and sleep deprivation are not only symptoms of bipolar disorder but can also worsen or even trigger mood episodes.
Spiritual Issues: Sometimes a person engaging in unfortunate behavior can trigger a bipolar episode.
It’s important to note that having a triggering event or even certain risk factors does not mean someone will develop bipolar disorder.
How Many People Are Affected?
In the United States, approximately 2.8% of adults—or nearly 7 million people—are diagnosed with bipolar disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It affects men and women nearly equally and often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, it can also appear in childhood or later in life.
Because its symptoms can overlap with other conditions like depression or anxiety, bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed or misunderstood, which makes awareness and compassionate care especially important.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
In my practice I treat people struggling with bipolar disorder through a combination of counseling, lifestyle adjustments, and medication (when necessary). These are all aimed at helping my client reduce and manage symptoms and maintain stability.
1. Counseling (Talk Therapy):
As a Christian therapist, I play a central role in supporting my clients who struggle with bipolar disorder. The following are approaches I use to help them:
Spiritual Support: Connect Client with the living God. Help them learn to mediate on Scripture and pray. Explore client’s spiritual life and show them ways to respond to circumstances redemptively.
Biblical Counseling Version (CBT): Help client to recognize and change patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to mood swings and get to root causes.
Stabilize daily routines: Establish healthy sleep patterns, eating, and social interactions, which can help regulate mood.
Family Therapy: Educate family members and build support systems while improving communication and reducing conflict.
Education: Equip clients and their loved ones with information about their condition so they can better recognize warning signs of mood shifts and seek timely support.
2. Lifestyle Support and Relapse Prevention:
I also encourage my clients with practical tools, such as:
Maintaining regular sleep and activity schedules
Stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, breathing exercises)
Building healthy relationships and support systems
Developing a plan for what to do when early warning signs of mania or depression appear.
3. Medication Management:
While I do not prescribe medication, I sometimes refer clients to psychiatrists and work closely with them to administer
· Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium)
· Antipsychotics
· Antidepressants, used cautiously to avoid triggering mania
I help monitor how well the treatment is working, support medication adherence, and guide clients through emotional and lifestyle challenges.
Redeem Bipolar with Depression therapy
Though bipolar disorder presents unique challenges, it is a condition that can be successfully maintained and redeemed. In my practice I offer compassionate, non-judgmental, supportive care that enables my clients to experience greater stability, insight, and peace. The path may not always be easy, but with the right tools and people by your side, living well with bipolar disorder is absolutely possible.
If you or someone you love may be experiencing bipolar symptoms depression therapy can help you find healing and hope. Please click below to learn more.