Bipolar Disorder in Ontario
Bipolar Disorder in Ontario
This is a manageable condition. This is a disorder that causes extreme mood and energy shifts. It can adversely affect a patient’s ability to carry out simple daily tasks. The symptoms are quite often sustained and severe. This is a condition that’s much different from the day-to-day ups and downs most of us experience.
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health treats this disorder with a number of different therapies. People who suffer through it go through intense emotional states that are often called episodes. Manic episodes are characterized by being overexcited and extremely joyful. On the other side of the scale, a depressive episode is where a patient can find themselves in a hopeless state or excessively depressed.
There are several characteristics that are signs of a manic phase in these include:
- Euphoria and/or elation as well as an overblown sense of self-esteem.
- Impulsive and/or aggressive behaviors.
- Being distracted easily.
The other mood swing is called a depressive phase. The symptoms include fatigue, guilt and anxiety as well as a loss of interest in normal daily routines and activities. Bipolar disorder is a common issue that’s treatable.
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Bipolar Disorder
How Does Bipolar Happen?
Pharmaceutical Treatments
Treatments at Simcoe Addiction & Mental Health
The Family
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. This may include “highs” or mania and “lows” or depression. The lows often leave the person feeling sadness, hopelessness and without motivation. Individuals may find themselves, struggling to find pleasure in situations and as a result isolate. Commonly known as the “lows” depression may follow the “high” or manic state. Hypomania tends to be less extreme than mania. Mania often gives the person an increase in energy levels and causes erratic and at times dangerous behaviours. These states can swing at anytime and do not follow a cycle.
Bipolar 1 disorder: You’ve had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
Bipolar II disorder. You’ve had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you’ve never had a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder. You’ve had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
Symptoms associated with Mania or Hypomania may include:
- Dramatic increase in energy levels
- Upbeat attitude
- Unusually talkative
- Racing thoughts
- Poor decision-making abilities
- Risky and dangerous behaviours
Major depressive symptoms may include:
- Losing sleep, inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of sadness and lack of worthiness
- Decreased ability to concentrate and focus
- Suicidal ideations
How Does Bipolar Happen?
Although this condition is a lifelong condition, it can be treated. Most people affected by this disorder live long and healthy lives. Treatment and intervention are important to work towards a better quality of life. Bipolar disorder is a hereditary condition that often involves another person within the family that had/has the condition. Stress can lead to the switch in emotional state. People who experience high levels of stress may find themselves cycling from one state to another. Substance use may also be a factor to trigger the cycling behaviours.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
Doctors may prescribe prescription medications that are “mood-stabilizers”. This medication helps the patient to regulate the moods experienced during episodes. Anti-psychotics may also be used for the treatment of this disorder to address unmanageable maniac behaviours. Anti-depressants may also be introduced to assist with the treatment.
Treatments at Simcoe Addiction & Mental Health
At Simcoe addiction and mental health, we treat individuals who may be struggling to manage their disorder. We have a team of passionate and dedicated professionals that are skilled in the treatment of bipolar disorder. You or your loved one will meet with our psychiatrist to establish a treatment plan. Once, we’ve addressed any need for medications we will begin the therapy and address how its impacted you and those around you. Therapists will work with you and assist you with developing healthy coping strategies. Understanding the condition and becoming familiar with triggers is highly beneficial.
The Family
Although, bipolar is a familiar disorder for many people, living with someone who has this condition can be exhausting. Witnessing maniac behaviours can be scary to see and cause fear for the observer. Abrupt, mood swings can certainly create anxiety for a loved one and leave them fearful of what a person will do or say next. When untreated, bipolar can cause serious issues within the family. You may have remained calm through a loved one’s moments of mania or depression and responded with understanding and kindness, however that does not mean that it did not make you angry, resentful, anxious, fearful or stressed. It is important to express those emotions even if the other person has limited control over certain decisions. Addressing your emotions and being aware of any potential impact the disorder has had on you is
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Ontario
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health has an evidence-based approach to bipolar disorder treatment in Ontario that includes hope, empowerment and compassion. We are proud of being part of the community that works with different organizations to provide support and care for people and their families afflicted by this issue.
We help people to understand and recover from this disorder. Some of the possible causes of it include genetics. There’s other evidence indicating the structure of your brain may increase your risk for this disease. Some other research points to the fact that traumatic experiences, physical illness and extreme stress can contribute.
Family Members
This disorder can also be passed on through family members. Research has indicated there is a strong genetic link between people who suffer from it. In fact, if one of your relatives is bipolar, your chances of getting the same disease are six times higher than people without a family connection.
Assessment
All clients receive an initial assessment. This works in parallel with the physical exam your doctor will provide. These can include urine and blood tests to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing.
We have therapists and counselors on staff who can carry out a thorough mental evaluation.
Bipolar Disorder Retreat in Ontario
The proper diagnosis involves analysing several manic episodes and perhaps a major depressive one. Because the mood swings can vary with each individual, a proper diagnosis can be difficult. However, this disorder becomes much worse if it doesn’t get treated properly. Left unchecked, episodes can become severe and more frequent.
Treatment at our bipolar disorder retreat in Ontario is possible. There are various effective methods recommended to battle this disorder. They include mood stabilizing drugs as well as antipsychotics in some situations.
Mood Swings
There are some other steps that clients can take to manage the disorder on their own. These include learning when mood swings are coming and how to recognize them. Maintaining regular eating and sleeping routine is another way to manage bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy is another option. It’s the one we offer because it is the most effective.
- Regulating daily habits through social rhythm and interpersonal therapy has had some proven successes. These include everyday activities like exercising, eating and sleeping. Learning how to balance these essential aspects can help clients manage the disorder.
- Family therapy, called psychoeducation, helps people who are bipolar get the support they need. It also helps your family and other loved ones understand the issues involved. The more everyone involved understands bipolar disorder, the easier it will be to manage. We can help you by planning and mediating these sessions, so they run smoothly and efficiently.
We also teach a variety of different lifestyle changes that can help.
- We teach our clients how to adopt and keep a healthy routine for sleeping and eating. We also instruct our clients to recognize when certain mood swings are on the horizon.
- We suggest reaching out to a licensed healthcare provider and our therapists regularly.
Having a designated friend or family member who can support you through treatment is also a good idea.
Bipolar Disorder Therapy in Ontario
Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health offer a variety of bipolar disorder therapy in Ontario choices that work. These can help you to balance mood swings almost immediately. For some, client medication is a first step.
The continued treatments we offer are designed to maintain your balance. The idea behind inpatient and outpatient therapy programs is to prevent a relapse of symptoms.
This is a chronic mental illness that can be managed but not cured. You can lead a healthy, happy life by getting the proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bipolar Disorder
Yes, bipolar disorder is a disorder or mental illness that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.
The causes of bipolar disorder can be attributed to a myriad of factors including childhood trauma, substance abuse, environmental factors and genetics.
Bipolar disorder can be inherited with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition.
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of mental disorders does not place bipolar disorder as a personality disorder.
Results from the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry show that the estimated prevalence of bipolar disorder was .087% of the Canadian population, 1 out of 1,153 people has bipolar disorder in Canada.
Bipolar disorder can affect family and friends by straining or fracturing relationships. People affected with bipolar disorder may feel more grief and guilt due to medical and interpersonal issues created in their lives. It should be noted that families can heal together with long-term therapy.
A 2018 review found that up to 40% of bipolar disorder sufferers receive an incorrect diagnosis, most frequently major depressive illness. Even for doctors determining the best diagnosis can be challenging at times.
Although there is not cure for bipolar disorder there are strategies that can help people. Finding the right combination of medication coupled with behavioral therapy will allow a normal and productive life.