Bipolar Disorder

More than simply mood swings, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of baseline functioning, dramatic highs, and, in some cases, crippling lows. While the highs are often euphoric and can make a person feel confident, outgoing, energetic, and highly motivated, they can become so intense that they lead to impulsive and sometimes dangerous behaviors.

During these periods, individuals may make decisions that are completely out of character. Sometimes they are unable to fully remember these events later, and if they do, they often experience embarrassment or regret when reflecting on their actions. In the most severe cases, people may lose touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations or delusional thinking

Although mania is commonly associated with euphoria and elation, it can also present with "mixed features," including agitation, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Some individuals with bipolar disorder may even cycle rapidly between manic and depressive symptoms within the same day.

Bipolar disorder can significantly impact relationships, employment, finances, and overall quality of life. Because of the intensity of their symptoms, it is not uncommon for individuals to attempt to manage their moods with drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, these substances often worsen symptoms and create additional challenges. Untreated bipolar disorder can contribute to chronic employment difficulties, financial instability, and even legal problems.

Common signs of mania or hypomania include going days with little to no sleep without feeling tired, racing thoughts, rapid or pressured speech, sexual indiscretions, overspending, increased risk-taking, and excessive goal-directed behavior. What starts as a simple decision to organize a junk drawer may evolve into an all-night mission to clean every nook and cranny of the house.

While some people with bipolar disorder are able to manage their symptoms without medication, for most, medication can be a powerful tool for reclaiming stability and improving quality of life. Mood stabilizers help keep emotions at "sea level." We do not want people trapped in the depths of depression, nor do we want them living on the mountaintops of mania. Spending too much time in either extreme can be harmful. The goal is balance—with room for normal emotional variation. I want you to feel your feelings but not give them the keys to your car.

Together, we will explore how and when your symptoms appear, identify triggers, and develop strategies to help maintain stability. We will focus on preventative maintenance, the critical role of sleep, and creating a safety net to protect you when your mood begins to shift. We will also choose medications thoughtfully, taking your concerns, preferences, and goals into account, so that together we can develop a treatment plan that you feel not only comfortable with, but genuinely hopeful about.