Therapy for Bipolar Disorder in Bergen County

Learn to Cope with Your Severe Mood Swings

Everyone experiences ups and downs at some point. But if your highs and lows seem extreme or are prolonged and uncontrollable, you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, which can impact your behavior, judgment, and ability to think clearly. If left untreated, your bipolar disorder may negatively interfere with your daily activities, work, school, and relationships with family and friends. I will work with you to discover how your body is functioning and identify techniques that will help you control your manic and depressive episodes so you can live a more peaceful life.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression) is a brain disorder that causes serious shifts in mood, activity levels, and the ability to function in daily life. The feelings you experience are more severe than life’s normal ups and downs. There are multiple causes for the disorder, such as brain structure, genetics (it tends to run in families), and a stressful event. Although a manic episode is a distinguishing characteristic between bipolar disorder and depression, with bipolar disorder, the depressive episodes are usually more frequent and more severe than the manic or hypomanic episodes. While the disorder cannot be cured, it is treatable. Medication and therapy can help you gain better control over the mood swings and other symptoms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are two types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar 1

Severe manic episodes that last at least a week. The episodes may or may not occur along with a depressive episode. The manic episode may be severe enough to require hospitalization due to psychosis or a break from reality.

Bipolar 2

Milder manic episodes, which are called hypomanic. These episodes cycle with periods of depression.

Cyclothymia is a similar disorder where the mood shifts aren’t as extreme as Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2. In order to properly diagnose the disorder, the manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes need to be assessed over time.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

With bi-polar disorder, there are manic and depressive episodes:

Symptoms of Manic Episodes

  • Extremely happy or excited
  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Excessive energy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Lots of new ideas
  • Jumping from one idea to the next
  • Making unrealistic plans
  • Speaking and moving very quickly
  • Making reckless decisions
  • Reduced sexual inhibition
  • Easily distracted

Symptoms of Depressive Episodes

  • Lack of energy or motivation
  • Feeling very sad
  • No interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritable

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call seek immediate assistance by calling 911 or going to the emergency room.

Not everyone with depression feels like they can’t get out of bed or have difficulty moving throughout their daily activities. Many depressed people are highly functioning and active.

How Can Therapy Help?

Therapy can be a very effective tool for those who are suffering from bipolar disorder. Through sessions, you can gain a better understanding of how your condition is affecting your daily life and learn techniques and tools to help you identify and address your symptoms. I will help you develop coping skills and behaviors to decrease the impact the mood swings have on your life. I incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help you address difficulties with mood instability. You will learn how to notice the distorted thinking that may lead to regrettable decisions and help you make better choices. You also will be better equipped to identify early warning signs to mood episodes as well as an improved understanding on how to intervene early enough to prevent more severe disruption as a result of these symptoms.

I am with you every step of the way on your journey toward leading a more peaceful and enjoyable life.