Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Mood Swings, Dispelling Stigma

At Equilibrium Mental Health Services, we’re committed to providing clear, compassionate care for individuals navigating the intense emotional ups and downs of bipolar disorder. While often misunderstood or misrepresented in popular culture, bipolar disorder is a real and serious mental health condition that deeply affects mood, energy, and everyday life.

This condition is not simply about having “good days and bad days.” Living with bipolar disorder means facing unpredictable and often extreme shifts between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), which can impact sleep, judgment, relationships, and overall functioning. Our goal is to support individuals and families with insight, empathy, and effective strategies for long-term wellness.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder generally appears in one of the following forms:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by at least one full manic episode lasting seven days or longer, often accompanied by depressive episodes that may last two weeks or more. In some cases, the symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Involves recurring depressive episodes and hypomania—a less intense but still disruptive form of elevated mood that doesn’t reach full mania.
• Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Involves ongoing fluctuations between milder hypomanic and depressive symptoms that persist for at least two years, without meeting the full criteria for Bipolar I or II. Early recognition and consistent support are key to effective management.

Common Symptoms

• Manic or Hypomanic Episodes:
  • Increased energy and activity
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Rapid speech or racing thoughts
  • Exaggerated confidence or grandiosity
  • Risky or impulsive behavior
  • Elevated goal-directed behavior

• Depressive Episodes:
  • Persistent sadness or emptiness
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Appetite and sleep disturbances
  • Difficulty focusing or making decisions
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation rather than a single test. At Equilibrium Mental Health Services, our licensed psychiatric providers assess:

• Current and past symptoms
• Family and medical history
• Behavior patterns and emotional regulation
• Input from family members (when appropriate)

Our evaluations are conducted with care and privacy, offering secure telehealth options that allow you to access expert support from the comfort of home.

Risk Factors and Onset

Bipolar disorder affects about 2.6% of U.S. adults—roughly 5.7 million people. While symptoms often surface in late adolescence or early adulthood, early signs can sometimes be observed during childhood. Risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition (family history of bipolar disorder)
• Neurochemical imbalances in the brain
• Past trauma or ongoing high stress
• Substance misuse

It’s possible to develop bipolar disorder without any family history. Timely intervention significantly improves outcomes.

Treatment at Equilibrium Mental Health Services

Effective treatment for bipolar disorder is multi-faceted and individualized. At Equilibrium, we offer:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness practices.
• Medication Management: When appropriate, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants may be used to manage symptoms safely.
• Ongoing Education and Support: We work with clients to build skills, monitor progress, and adjust treatment as needed.

Take the First Step

If you’re struggling with mood swings or suspect bipolar disorder may be affecting your life, don’t wait to seek support. Equilibrium Mental Health Services offers compassionate, confidential care from experienced psychiatric providers. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your path toward greater stability, clarity, and wellness.