Bipolar Disorder
“Bipolar robs you of that which is you. It can take from you the very core of your being and replace it with something that is completely opposite of who and what you truly are. Because my bipolar went untreated for so long, I spent many years looking in the mirror and seeing a person I did not recognize or understand.”
Bipolar disorder is characterized by both manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes, which can feel incredibly unpredictable and destabilizing to people struggling with this condition.
Manic episodes can make you feel unstoppable, like you don’t need sleep or food, like your ideas are flowing faster than you can keep up, like you are capable of anything. This can sometimes come with impulsivity, leading to things like excessive spending, risky sexual behavior, or major life changes on a whim. In some cases, it might even include delusions of grandeur; an unshakable belief that you have special abilities or a higher purpose. Hypomania is a milder form of mania that lasts at least four days but not more than a week.
Depressive episodes, on the other hand, bring a stark contrast. You might feel weighed down by exhaustion, hopelessness, or an overwhelming sense of self-doubt. The things that once excited you may now feel impossible, and even the simplest daily tasks might seem insurmountable.
These emotional extremes can make it hard to trust yourself, leaving you feeling like you’re constantly shifting between different versions of yourself.
My goal as your therapist is not to erase the parts of you that come with bipolar disorder, but to help you understand them, work with them, and find a middle ground where you can function without feeling trapped by the highs or the lows. Together, we’ll explore strategies to manage mood shifts, improve emotional regulation, and reduce the intensity of extreme episodes.
I will help you learn to recognize the early signs of mania or depression so you can take proactive steps to care for yourself before things escalate. By identifying these signs, we can work to prevent episodes from becoming overwhelming. In addition, I will support you in building stability through routines, habits, and support systems that create a more balanced and predictable life.
As we work together, I’ll help you understand when impulsive urges arise, and we’ll develop tools to make choices that align with your long-term well-being. I also believe it’s important to process past manic or depressive experiences so that you can make sense of their impact on your relationships, career, and self-esteem.
If you're taking medication, I will help you understand how it fits into your overall treatment plan. If you're unsure about medication, we can explore your options together while ensuring that your autonomy and preferences are respected.
You are not “too much.” You are not broken. You are someone with a unique brain, navigating a complex experience, and you deserve care that helps you feel more at home in yourself. Therapy with me is about helping you build a life that honors who you are, while also reducing the chaos that bipolar disorder can sometimes bring.
If you’re ready to explore what balance looks like for you, I’m here to help.
