Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows, which can significantly impact daily life. Treatment for bipolar disorder is crucial in stabilising mood and improving overall well-being, helping individuals manage these shifts and live a more balanced life.
Recognising these signs is crucial for early diagnosis and receiving effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
Manic Episodes: Overly happy, high energy, fast talking, racing thoughts, and risky behaviours like overspending or reckless driving.
Hypomanic Episodes: Less severe mania with increased energy, productivity, and creativity, without major life disruptions.
Depressive Episodes: Sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, concentration issues, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Mixed Episodes: Symptoms of both mania and depression, either simultaneously or alternating rapidly.
Cyclical Patterns: Periods of extreme highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression) with clear mood and behaviour changes.
Impaired Functioning: Mood swings that affect daily life, work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Approximately 2.2% of
Australians live with a form
of bipolar disorder
1 in 50 adult Australians
experience bipolar disorder
each year
Bipolar disorder is largely
inherited through genetics
Bipolar Disorder can be
triggered by factors
including stress, pregnancy,
and illicit drug use
Bipolar disorder, a complex mental health condition, is marked by extreme mood swings that can disrupt daily life. From exhilarating highs of mania to deep lows of depression, it presents a rollercoaster of emotions for those affected. Understanding its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and support.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience distinct phases: manic episodes characterised by heightened energy, impulsivity, and sometimes risky behaviour, and depressive episodes marked by overwhelming sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves careful assessment of symptoms, medical history, and often psychological evaluations. This process is essential for accurately understanding the condition’s impact and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
Effective management typically combines medication and therapy tailored to individual needs. Mood stabilisers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to stabilise mood and manage symptoms. Therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and interpersonal therapy provide valuable tools for coping with mood fluctuations, enhancing resilience, and fostering long-term stability.
Beyond medical intervention, a strong support network comprising family, friends, and support groups plays a pivotal role in managing bipolar disorder. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and establishing healthy sleep patterns can also complement treatment efforts, promoting overall well-being.
While living with bipolar disorder presents challenges, many individuals lead fulfilling lives with effective treatment and support. Seeking professional help and actively participating in one’s treatment journey are empowering steps towards achieving stability and enhancing quality of life.
Navigating bipolar disorder requires patience, understanding, and resilience—for individuals and their support networks alike. By fostering open dialogue, promoting awareness, and advocating for compassionate care, we can collectively contribute to a more informed and supportive community for those affected by this condition.
*Source: Bipolar Disorder – National Library of Medicine
Keeping a regular schedule for sleep, meals, and exercise can help keep mood swings in check. It's like setting your internal clock to 'stable mode.'
Surround yourself with understanding mates, family, or a support group who've got your back when things get rocky.
Try relaxation techniques like mindfulness or yoga to dial down stress levels. Think of it as giving your mind a mini holiday.
If your doc's prescribed meds, make sure you take them as directed. It's the steady support your brain needs to stay on an even keel.
Our Psychologists, highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, provide treatment for bipolar disorder. They use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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