Bipolar Disorder

Formerly referred to as being “manic-depressive disorder”, a bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of two extreme moods, up…and down. Those who have the condition tend to vacillate between mania, or very positive moods, and debilitating depression.

The very definition of a bipolar disorder is ever evolving as more is being learned about it – the illness and the ways it can be effectively treated. Life with such a disorder can be absolutely exhausting for the one who suffers from it as well as for those who are around that individual. Emotions often are experience to the extreme like exaggerated happiness or desperate sadness. Serious and dangerous implications can result from such fluctuating and intense emotions. Risky behavior and tendencies of suicidal thoughts or actions are not uncommon.

It is imperative to keep in mind that no two individuals experience the same bipolar symptoms in the exact same way. There are people who suffer from the condition who are able to function well while others have problems functioning at all. Some have great struggles maintaining relationships, holding down jobs, getting along with others, and completing daily tasks while others don’t.

Living your life with a bipolar disorder is much like taking each and every emotion you have and taking them to the max. At times, you’ll be at the top and other times, you’ll be at an all-time low. You will feel invincible and you will feel hopeless, all in the same skin. There will be days you think you can conquer the world and other days you’ll find it almost impossible to get out of bed.

Having a bipolar disorder is a struggle that can wear on you beyond belief, especially when attempting to cope by yourself. At Los Angeles Counseling Center, we are her to give you the support you will need to help you gain control over your symptoms through Christ-centered counseling.

Christ-centered counseling for conditions of bipolar disorder is done with the intent of helping you manage symptoms which accompany the experience of having extreme moods. When mania hits, you very well may find yourself lit up with energy and ideas. You may be vulnerable to get involved in things you might not normally even consider such as things that are contrary to values you have.

During dark times, having faith in God isn’t always easy. It may be difficult to sense God’s presence through the darkness you feel. At LA Christian Counseling, we hope to help you to know that God is there with you, regardless of how you feel emotionally. With good counseling and faith, you can achieve harmony and find balance.

What Treatment is There for Bipolar Disorder?

There are several treatments available for bipolar disorder. Treatment may entail therapy, using medication, or both. Your Los Angeles Christian Counselor will take into consideration your individual symptoms and their nature and may also ask you to include your personal physician to assist in working together to creating the most effective treatment plan possible. Christian counseling to treat bipolar disorder employs the use of specific types of psychotherapy which may include family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal/social rhythm treatment therapy, and group therapy.

(CBT) Cognitive-Behavioral therapy is a method that teaches individuals how to become more conscious of your emotions and thoughts while also learning how to change and modify behavior that is harmful. In doing so, your thought patterns change as your mood shifts. This teaches you to become more consciously aware of transitions in your moods and to identify irrational thoughts. It will assist you in controlling your negative behavior triggered by your emotions.

• Psychodynamic therapy is helpful because it enables you to work through to process past relationships and experiences that were painful while you are also uncovering what effect those experiences may have left on the behavior you have now. Through reaching an understanding and gaining self-awareness, you can begin to come to grips with conflicts that remain unsolved in order to forsake unhealthy coping and move on to build relationships that are better.
• Interpersonal therapy enables you to understand how your bipolar disorder impacts the relationships you have while also helping you to decrease the strain that the disorder may cause.
• Social rhythm therapy is able to help you purposefully develop and then maintain healthy habits of sleep and healthy, functional daily routines.
• Family therapy gives your family and yourself support. With this therapy in place, you all can work towards gaining a better understanding of what bipolar disorder truly is, how it affects you, and what the best methods of support are for your personal needs.
• Group therapy is a method of help that has been proven be quite helpful where the treatment of a bipolar disorder is concerned. The concept of group counseling will offer you support, teach you coping skills, and will embrace you with compassion from other people who also struggle with a bipolar disorder.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Children

It is most common for bipolar disorder to affect young adults and older teens. Some controversy exists when it comes to the condition being present in children. There are some who believe children as little as six years of age can be afflicted, although that is rare and tends to be over-diagnosed. In the event that your little one has received such a diagnosis or is showing possible symptoms, we are available to help you. With your child’s unique needs and symptoms in mind, Christian counseling provides your teen or child with tools to effectively reduce and manage their symptoms. This is accomplished through methods that are similar to those used when treating adults. For more information, please contact Los Angeles Christian Counseling for Children or Los Angeles Christian Counseling for Teens.

Treatment for bipolar disorder should be treated by a professional you trust. We highly encourage those with the condition to seek the support needed immediately due to the dangerous nature of bipolar disorder. We are here to help you. Reach out to us today.

We can assist you in:

• Becoming more aware of yourself and your condition so you can recognize times your moods are going through cycles.
• Learning about tools that are effective for managing negative behaviors and thoughts.
• Finding support from others who understand the complexities and struggles of having bipolar disorder.
• Discovering healing and peace and healing that can be experienced through drawing closer to Christ and forming a real relationship with Him.

If you struggle with having a bipolar disorder, or if someone you love does, we’re here and are willing and able to provide you support and guidance. Our counselors are compassionate and use a faith-based focused approach to counseling which allows you to glean on the wisdom and strength of God for understanding and healing.

Having a bipolar disorder tends to cause you to feel helpless, out of control, and confused. Christ-focused counseling can offer help so you can work through it all and live a healthy, well-balanced life.

Bipolar Symptoms

Did you know that bipolar disorder afflicts almost 3 percent of adults within the U.S.? Unfortunately, it is estimated that a staggering 51% of the individuals who suffer from it don’t seek out treatment, and sadly, as many as 17% end up committing suicide. If you feel you are suffering from the disorder, please know that help is here for you. Here are some symptoms to consider:

• Bipolar Depression – Within the realms of a bipolar disorder is the condition of having major depression. Bipolar depression is different due to the cycling that takes place concerning the mania and depressive moods. Episodes that consist of bipolar depression tend to last around two weeks, sometimes longer, and may consist of extreme loss of motivation, exaggerated sadness, suicidal actions or thoughts, and fatigue.
• Bipolar Mania – Episodes of bipolar mania generally manifest for a week at least. Symptoms may vary, but usually include inflated self-esteem, very high levels of racing thoughts and motivation, and less need for sleep. Times of mania can easily lead to risky, compromised behavior.
• Hypomania – This form is less severe than mania is and isn’t prone to involve risk taking behaviors as much as mania but involves an elevated mood coupled with increased productivity.
• Mixed Episode – When both ups and downs are experienced on a daily basis for the course of a week or more, this bipolar form may be present.
• Rapid-Cycling – The term is used to describe individuals who tend to transition in a way that goes from mania then to depression totally four times or more per year. Every episode has a duration long enough to be distinct. Rapid-cycling may take place during bipolar stages 1 or 2.

Kinds of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder symptoms commonly differ from one person to another. Over the course of years, those who conduct research on the disorder have found that there are certain symptoms that many have in common. These types include:

• Type 1 bipolar disorder – This type brings about the typical symptoms such as manic episodes of a week or longer, mixed episodes, and major depression.
• Type 2 bipolar disorder – This tends to be a form that is milder in nature but includes alternating severe depression and hypomania.

Regardless of how mild or severe your symptoms are, don’t struggle alone.

Christ-centered bipolar disorder counseling through our Los Angeles center can give you the tools and knowledge you need to manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life.

What is the time frame of bipolar disorder counseling?

The length of time Christian counseling takes for a bipolar disorder differs from one individual to the other. Your individual frame of time will depend upon such things as your symptoms and their severity, your dedication to sticking to a treatment plan, and the way your system responds to treatment. The counselor you see will talk with you about treatment goals and other specifics during the first visit.

How should I go about finding the Christian counselor who is right for me?

First and foremost, be sure to find a Christian counselor specializing in the disorder. At LA Christian Counseling, we know that Christ is the ultimate answer and the One who will see you through. We will help you find a counselor who’s the right fit for you personally

Will medication be needed?

A good number of people who suffer from bipolar disorder do require medication to manage their symptoms. If you are interested treatment that doesn’t involve medicine though, it is advised that you talk to your doctor. Christ-centered counseling for the disorder has a lot to offer and is quite effective so it may be a viable alternative to taking medications but it will depend upon your personal needs and should be approved by your physician. This is a subject that your counselor can help you with.

What should I do if I suspect someone I love is Bipolar?

Often times, individuals who have bipolar disorder, especially the ones who tend to experience hypomania, may not even realize they have any problem at all. There are times it is best to suggest they get a checkup. For some, an approach that is direct works best. Regardless, be sure to approach the person with heartfelt compassion but at the same time, stress that it is not their fault and there is no blame. Let them know the disorder is treatable but is very real. If you are worried concerning their behavior and fear it could cause them harm or that they might harm themselves or another person, don’t keep quiet. It is important to speak out and in doing so, you very well may be able to motivate your loved one to seek help.

Schedule an Initial Risk-Free Session

Are you sick and tired of the struggles that bipolar disorder and its symptoms place on your life? If so, please give thought to Christian counseling. At Los Angeles Christian Counseling, you are able to take advantage of our risk-free first session. Reach out to us today by phone or online so you can get started on a better tomorrow.