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The answer depends on if you are treating the condition of bipolar disorder itself, learning to accept the diagnosis and manage the disorder, or dealing with post episodic repair and reconstruction (repairing relationships and situations that were impacted during a manic or depressive episode).
Bipolar Disorders are often first recognized when someone is in the "manic" phase of the disorder. Mania can be highly disruptive to a person's life; experienced as an abnormally elevated mood or irritability, high energy level and extreme state of arousal. Because of the extreme signs and symptoms, a person in a manic phase often needs to be hospitalized for their own safety until medication can balance out the neuro-transmitters (hormones) in the brain. When the person is no longer a danger to themselves or others and is organized in their thinking and behavior, they are usually released to be treated by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychotherapist or professional counselor, and at times even a case manager to provide levels of care addressing the various bio-psycho-social impacts of this disease.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners often manage medication only. It's possible to find a psychiatrist who provides talk therapy, but they aren't common or economical. Master and doctoral level therapists assist clients with bipolar disorder come to terms with the diagnosis and learn to make changes in their lives so that a relapse is prevented, postponed or lessened in severity. Some people find it harder than others to accept and manage their disorder. Some can be well managed on medication and have few disruptions down the line. Others find it hard to accept and attempt to minimize or even wean off the medication because they miss the energy, motivation and elevated mood.
Relapse for patients with bipolar disorder is very common so ongoing therapy and monitoring in the first few years following diagnosis is especially smart until the client understands how to spot the early signs of relapse, has a good plan of prevention in place and a strong support network they trust.
Bipolar Disorders are often first recognized when someone is in the "manic" phase of the disorder. Mania can be highly disruptive to a person's life; experienced as an abnormally elevated mood or irritability, high energy level and extreme state of arousal. Because of the extreme signs and symptoms, a person in a manic phase often needs to be hospitalized for their own safety until medication can balance out the neuro-transmitters (hormones) in the brain. When the person is no longer a danger to themselves or others and is organized in their thinking and behavior, they are usually released to be treated by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychotherapist or professional counselor, and at times even a case manager to provide levels of care addressing the various bio-psycho-social impacts of this disease.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners often manage medication only. It's possible to find a psychiatrist who provides talk therapy, but they aren't common or economical. Master and doctoral level therapists assist clients with bipolar disorder come to terms with the diagnosis and learn to make changes in their lives so that a relapse is prevented, postponed or lessened in severity. Some people find it harder than others to accept and manage their disorder. Some can be well managed on medication and have few disruptions down the line. Others find it hard to accept and attempt to minimize or even wean off the medication because they miss the energy, motivation and elevated mood.
Relapse for patients with bipolar disorder is very common so ongoing therapy and monitoring in the first few years following diagnosis is especially smart until the client understands how to spot the early signs of relapse, has a good plan of prevention in place and a strong support network they trust.
If you have bipolar disorder, choosing a therapist should be done carefully. Rather than simply choosing one from a phone book, ask for a referral from a primary health care provider, church, or local mental health agency, or family and friends. If you are not comfortable asking family or friends, referral hotlines of professional organisations, including your state or local medical society, and other professional organisations and groups can also make referrals to therapists.
The therapist should be someone whom you can trust. Finding a "good fit" with a therapist will be a key to successfully completing therapy. The key to finding a good fit is to find someone you are comfortable with, someone with whom you are able to be honest and open. If you cannot provide information about your life and your disorder, you cannot expect to make good progress. Because therapy can be time consuming, do not invest in a therapy relationship that is not comfortable for you. Give it a chance, but if it is not working, seek another therapist who meets your needs.
The therapist should be someone whom you can trust. Finding a "good fit" with a therapist will be a key to successfully completing therapy. The key to finding a good fit is to find someone you are comfortable with, someone with whom you are able to be honest and open. If you cannot provide information about your life and your disorder, you cannot expect to make good progress. Because therapy can be time consuming, do not invest in a therapy relationship that is not comfortable for you. Give it a chance, but if it is not working, seek another therapist who meets your needs.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.