Category: Agoraphobia | Last updated: October 18th, 2018 | Reviewed and approved by:

Dr. Steven Gans, MD

Dr. Steven Gans, MD

While it is common for people to experience mood swings from time to time, bipolar disorder is much more severe. When someone has bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) their mood shifts from periods of over-excitement and feeling like you're "on fire" (manic episodes) to periods of feeling severely depressed (depressive episodes).

During manic episodes, it's common to have a generally elevated mood, be highly active, experience higher self-esteem and need less sleep. This often alternates with depressive periods where you feel little joy in life, have problems sleeping, gain or lose weight and experience a loss of energy.

While this can be stressful and even debilitating, there is hope. Our therapy for bipolar is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown in research studies to help people with bipolar disorder, often used in conjunction with medication. You see, it is your thoughts that affect your perception of the world, and with bipolar disorder, your brain tends to process information in an inaccurate and distorted way. With the help of your therapist, you will be able to identify and challenge these distorted and negative thought patterns that cause your stress and even harmful behavior. By identifying the situations that trigger your manic and depressive episodes, you will be more aware of when a mood shift is about to happen. And, eventually, you will be able to control your emotions and stress. By discovering new coping and behavioral skills, you will be able to stick to a treatment plan and live a more stable lifestyle, which will reduce the risks of a relapse.

Your therapist is ready to start the journey with you today - so what are you waiting for?