What is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder. About 3% of people in the US have Bipolar Disorder. It is characterized by cycles of high moods (mania or hypomania) and low moods (depression).  

Bipolar I is characterized by periods of mania, followed by depression. Bipolar II is characterized by hypomania followed by longer bouts of depression.  

Mania is a highly elevated mood. It often looks like not sleeping, doing risky behaviors, talking fast and talking a lot, being unusually social, reduced appetite, and having an inflated sense of confidence. Some people overspend when they are manic. Hypomania is similar, but not as extreme. When hypomanic, one might feel unusually happy and sociable, like everything is suddenly going right in life. When manic or hypomanic, people can also experience irritability and anxiety. It’s also possible to have a mixed state, during which one is simultaneously manic and depressed. The length of mood cycles varies. Shorter mood cycles are referred to as “rapid cycling.”  

Bipolar Disorder is most effectively treated with medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes used together.  

Therapy for Bipolar Disorder 

Therapy is an integral part of maintaining emotional stability with Bipolar Disorder. At Pesch Tikvah, your therapist and psychiatrist are a team.  

Going through mania and depression itself can be traumatic, and many people with Bipolar Disorder experience feeling different from their peers. Therapy helps with self-acceptance, relationship skills, and coping with uncomfortable feelings. 

Attachment-based therapy, IFS, trauma-based models, CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic therapy are all effective therapies for Bipolar Disorder. 

Your therapist is someone who can “catch” a mood swing in its early stages. Therapists are trained to notice your symptoms. 

Medications for Bipolar Disorder 

Mood stabilizers (for example lithium and lamotrigine) are the first line of defense against mood swings. Many people with Bipolar Disorder find that a combination of medications is more effective than a single medication. Getting medication right can take time and patience. The best thing you can do is communicate frequently with your psychiatrist. Small changes in dosage are often all it takes to alleviate symptoms.  

If you feel your medications are not working well or you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, abruptly discontinuing use can cause serious health problems or withdrawal. See your psychiatrist before making any changes.  

Lifestyle Changes for Success 

Self-care when you have Bipolar Disorder makes medication and therapy work more effectively. It's crucial for your well-being.  

Sleep is your number one lifestyle safeguard against mood swings.  

• Aim for at least seven hours per night. 
• If you frequently wake up in the middle of the night, get tested for sleep apnea. 
• Avoid looking at blue light (your phone or computer) if you are unable to sleep.  

Exercise every day.  

•  45 minutes a day gives you the mood-stabilizing benefits of exercise.  
• Gentle exercise like biking and walking is sufficient.  

Avoid intoxicants.  

• Alcohol and substances can set off and worsen depression and mania.  
• If you struggle with addiction, seek the help of an addiction counselor and/or a 12 step fellowship. Pesach Tikvah offers addiction counseling. 

Eat for health.  

• Eating sufficient protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits is good for your mood.  
• Many people with Bipolar Disorder notice that eating a lot of sugar and junk food affects their mood. 

Get tested for vitamin deficiency and  thyroid function.   

• Deficiencies can mimic depressive symptoms, and your thyroid can affect your mood. 
• A simple blood test from your primary care doctor is all you need.  

Track your moods.  

• Keeping a daily mood journal helps you to notice mood changes and allows you to see patterns of what triggers mood swings. 
• Share your mood journal with your therapist and psychiatrist.