For Individuals

Bipolar Disorder Counseling

Bipolar Disorder can be frightening and devastating to the life you’ve worked so hard to construct. But there is hope. When properly managed, Bipolar Disorder doesn’t have to control your life. Newark Behavioral Health is here to help you navigate the many paths of treatment and the strains it may put on your life.

Image of a female experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder before a session at Newark Behavioral Health
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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder can be a diagnosis that sends fear spiraling through you. It’s a very stereotyped disorder that many people think means a life doomed to sporadic, unmanageable mood shifts. Not true! While managing Bipolar Disorder is hard, it is also possible. Many people have lived successful, happy lives with their Bipolar under control. So, what does having Bipolar Disorder mean? It’s defining characteristic are the two distinct mood phases. On one end, you might feel depressed and hopeless, without any energy. Then suddenly, you’ll be full of energy with dreams and goals and the drive to accomplish them. That is the manic phase and can include everything from reckless spending to full-on delusions.

  • A manic episode will always be present in Bipolar Disorder. It can last up to two weeks. Some symptoms of a manic phase include:

    An unusual extreme mood that could either be ecstatic or irritated

    Racing thoughts

    Little need to sleep (may feel great on three to four hours a night)

    Unfocused attention

    Obsessive and furious planning toward a goal

    Excessive talkativeness especially as compared to an individual’s normal speech patterns

    Dramatically increase in your self-image, you might think that you really are the absolute best

    Risky or harmful behavior

    Hallucinations or delusions, especially thoughts that you are special or have special abilities

    The manic cycle can be terrifying! It can come out of nowhere and have lasting impacts. Newark Behavioral Health is here for you as you learn how to manage these shifts and find the right treatment for you. You are much more than your Bipolar Disorder, and we want to work with you and your goals. Some people with Bipolar Disorder have a less severe form, called Bipolar II Disorder. Those with Bipolar II experience less dramatic manic phases called “hypomanic episodes.” These episodes include all of the symptoms above except hallucinations and delusions, and the symptoms are milder and less obvious.

    Manic episodes are only half of the struggle when it comes to Bipolar Disorder. The other half is the depression phase. It can last up to months and cause just as much pain and destruction. Some symptoms include:

    Persistent low mood, either sad, irritable or empty

    Lack of interest or enjoyment of previous activities

    Powerful feelings of guilt, shame, and/or worthlessness.

    Social withdrawal

    Weakened endurance and energy

    Slowed speaking and thinking

    Difficulty making decisions, concentrating and focusing

    Disruptions in sleep—insomnia or hypersomnia

    Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

    No one deserves to feel depressed. Thriveworks Newark is here to guide you through the dark and back out to hope and control, even when it seems too far away. We have years of training and experiencing treating Bipolar Disorder. You aren’t alone with this fight. It might take a while to find the right medication and additional support, but we will be with you through all of it.

Image of a female with her counselor getting treatment for bipolar disorder at Newark Behavioral Health
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What Does Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Look Like?

The polar opposite sides of Bipolar can make it feel impossible to manage. And oftentimes, traditional therapy doesn’t do the trick. But researchers have found that a good mix of medication and therapy can expand your strengths and bring calm back to your life. The battle with Bipolar Disorder never really goes away. Which is one of the many reasons why having a good support team is so vital! We have seen strong individuals like you live happy, fulfilling lives separate from their Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder treatment almost always involves medication. Finding the perfect fit for you can be tricky, and we can provide the right support for you as you go through that.

  • Of course, medication can’t make all your problems go away! Especially during a depressive episode, talking with a professional counselor can be extremely helpful. Learning how to identify signs of mania/hypomania and depression in yourself can help you to manage your life better. Our skilled therapists at Newark Behavioral Health can help support you when you are experiencing the ups and downs of Bipolar Disorder and help you to learn ways to cope and manage your symptoms.

    Your Bipolar Disorder doesn’t have to be a death sentence! You can still live the life you’ve always dreamed of; you might just need a little extra support. Newark Behavioral Health is excited to begin the journey of healing and growth with you today.

Get the help you need today

You deserve dedicated time with a caring mental health professional—we can help.