Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder (BPAD)?
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, characterised by extreme shifts in mood – from emotional “highs” (mania or hypomania) to extreme “lows” (depression). Mania or hypomania can feel like you are full of energy, confidence, or excitement. It can feel almost like your mind is racing and you can’t slow it down. During these periods, you may sleep very little, talk faster, make quick decisions, or feel like you can do anything. Sometimes, feeling like this can make you act impulsively or dangerously, and sometimes people are hospitalised. Conversely, depression may feel like chronic low mood where you feel sad, empty, tired, or hopeless, and even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. You may stay in bed, have appetite changes or be unable to attend to the things you need to in your day.
The mood shifts in Bipolar Disorder are significant and feel much more intense than normal ups and downs. If you have Bipolar Disorder, these changes aren’t something you choose or can simply “snap out of.” Your brain is having trouble keeping your mood steady, and that’s a biochemical imbalance. It’s a medical condition, and with the right support and treatment, many people learn to manage it and live stable, fulfilling lives.
There are a range of excellent evidence-based treatments available to treat Bipolar Disorder. Our psychologists are here to help, so if you find yourself struggling, please contact us to find a psychologist in the Western suburbs. We offer counselling in Footscray and have Medicare rebate psychologists available to help with costs.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Some common symptoms of Bipolar Disorder are listed below, though SANE Australia also provides an excellent information sheet. There are a range of therapies that can help people to manage the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. Some of these evidence-based therapies include things like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or Acceptance and Comittment Therapy. If you’re after free resources, Bipolar Australia is a not-for-profit runs peer support groups, offers supports and guidance and has tool for professionals.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania
- Feeling extremely energetic, “wired,” or unusually happy
- Needing much less sleep than usual
- Talking very fast or feeling like your thoughts are racing
- Feeling overly confident or invincible
- Being easily distracted
- Acting impulsively, or doing things you usually wouldn’t
- Feeling irritable or agitated
Symptoms of depression
- Feeling very sad, empty, or hopeless
- Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling tired or drained all the time
- Eating more or less than usual
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thinking about death or suicide
So, what can I do?
If you have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and are having difficulty managing the day-to-day, therapy can help. Psychologists work with your care team (often a GP, psychiatrist and other supports) to help you better manage the mood fluctuations and symptoms. There are a range of really good evidence-based treatments available, and we’d be happy to chat to you about the options for treatment. We also offer telehealth psychologists in Melbourne if that’s more convenient.
Medicare rebates are available, and we also have Workcover psychologists and TAC psychologists.
Psychology FAQs
Have a question? Take a look below… these are some of the common questions we get.
Ready to talk?
Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.