Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Living with bipolar disorder can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—periods of high energy, confidence, or restlessness followed by deep lows that make even simple tasks feel impossible. If this sounds familiar, know this: you are not alone, and help is available. With the right support, many people with bipolar disorder live fulfilling, balanced lives.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
3790 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Luci Norris is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Las Vegas, Nevada. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bullying.
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW), Psychologist
1333 Airport Road, Jackson, Kentucky 41339
Den Del is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Jackson, Kentucky. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Anger Issues, Academic Concerns.
So appearances are mental entities or mental representations.
Community Resource, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
325 Four Leaf Lane, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Helen Szanowni is a Community Resource in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Phobia, Autism.
Help users avoid and correct mistakes. Beyond the most basic requirements such as a crawlable, indexable and servable site that adheres to Google Webmaste
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), Community Resource, Executive Function Coach, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Park lane ave 21, San Francisco, California 34567
Michael Golfy is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Antisocial Personality.
I will be happy to help you with your mental health issues
Psychiatrist, Psychologist
939 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642
Name Surname is a Psychiatrist in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 23 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Divorce, Infidelity.
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Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
4513 South Genesee Street, Seattle, Washington 98118
Mari Roberson is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) in Seattle, Washington. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Learning Disorder, Performance Anxiety.
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Bipolar disorder is more than occasional mood swings or feeling “moody.” It’s a serious mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to function. These shifts go beyond normal ups and downs and can interfere with work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.
You might consider reaching out for counseling for bipolar disorder if you’ve experienced:
If your emotional states feel extreme or out of proportion, a trained bipolar therapist can help clarify whether bipolar disorder is a factor.
Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs—but bipolar disorder involves mood changes that are:
Mood swings in bipolar disorder also come with distinct cognitive, behavioral, and physical changes. For example, someone in a manic episode may not sleep for days and still feel energetic, whereas typical mood changes rarely cause that level of disruption.
There’s no single cause of bipolar disorder, but research points to a combination of:
Understanding the causes can help guide more effective coping with bipolar disorder and prevention strategies.
Even with treatment, episodes can still occur. Common triggers include:
Part of effective therapy includes identifying your unique triggers and creating tools to reduce their impact. A therapist for bipolar will work with you to build this awareness and plan.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with the right combination of treatment strategies, it can be managed effectively. Treatment typically includes:
Medications
Medication is often essential and should be monitored by a psychiatrist or prescribing provider.
Behavioral Therapy
Environmental Supports
Psychoeducation
Learning about bipolar disorder helps you recognize symptoms early, understand treatment options, and communicate more effectively with loved ones and providers.
Working with a qualified bipolar disorder therapist or online therapist for bipolar disorder gives you a strong foundation for long-term stability.
Effective treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary team:
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years, ongoing care from a therapist for bipolar disorder is an essential part of managing symptoms and thriving.
Absolutely. With proper treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can lead rich, full, and meaningful lives—including successful careers, loving relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Key factors that support stability include:
Bipolar disorder may be part of your story—but it doesn’t have to define your future.
Though both are serious mental health conditions, they are very different in symptoms and treatment.
Bipolar disorder is primarily a mood disorder, involving cycles of mania and depression. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Some people with bipolar I may experience psychotic symptoms during severe mood episodes, which can cause confusion—but these symptoms are always tied to mood states.
Diagnosis should always be made by a trained provider, such as a psychologist for bipolar or psychiatrist, to ensure the right treatment plan is developed.
The main difference is that bipolar disorder includes episodes of mania or hypomania, while major depressive disorder (MDD) does not. People with MDD experience only depressive episodes.
Because of this, people with bipolar II are often misdiagnosed with depression, especially early on. That’s why it’s so important to share your full range of mood experiences with your provider, even if the highs feel less disruptive than the lows.
A therapist for bipolar disorder trained in mood disorders can help make the distinction and guide appropriate treatment.
This is a harmful myth. Most people with bipolar disorder are not violent or dangerous. Like anyone, they may act out during moments of extreme stress or crisis—but with treatment, most manage their emotions and behavior just like anyone else.
Labeling people with bipolar disorder as “unstable” only adds to stigma and discourages help-seeking. Coping with bipolar disorder requires strength, self-awareness, and courage—not shame.
No. Bipolar disorder is a medical condition with well-defined criteria. It’s not the same as being moody, emotional, or reactive.
Mood swings in bipolar disorder are more intense, longer-lasting, and disruptive than everyday ups and downs. They involve clear patterns of mania/hypomania and depression—not just emotional variability.
Yes—many do. With the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can:
Therapy can help manage the unique challenges that come with balancing mental health in the workplace and at home. If you're facing obstacles, career counselors, couples therapists, or work stress therapists can all be part of your support network.
No. Mania can feel good at first—heightened energy, confidence, creativity—but it often escalates into reckless behavior, irritability, poor judgment, or even psychosis.
Mania isn’t about having a “good day” or feeling energized—it’s a serious mental health episode that requires treatment and monitoring.
Bipolar disorder is considered a chronic condition, meaning it doesn’t go away completely. However, many people go years without episodes when they have consistent treatment and healthy routines.
With the right help for bipolar disorder, it is absolutely possible to manage symptoms effectively and live a balanced, empowered life.
You are more than your diagnosis. With the right support, you can live well, love deeply, and pursue everything that matters to you. Find a trusted bipolar disorder therapist or explore online therapy for bipolar disorder to take your next step toward stability, clarity, and hope.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Bipolar Disorder and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
