Bipolar Disorder

I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10b

Our goal at Bellevue Christian Counseling is to witness lives transformed by the Word of God, by means of faith in Jesus Christ and solid Christian counseling. If you or anyone you know wrestles with bipolar disorder, we urge you to contact us so that we can help you start the path to treatment and living an abundant life. Our counselors have the necessary skills to help you or your loved one learn to manage your symptoms in a way that will lead to incremental improvement and eventual transformation.

How do I know if I am bipolar?

Though bipolar symptoms vary among individuals, some commonalities exist. Typically, a bipolar sufferer will experience sharp swings from mania to depression and back. No matter how extreme your symptoms, you need not suffer alone. Bellevue Christian Counseling is available to come alongside, and walk the road to treatment with you.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Several main types of bipolar have been identified over the years, each with its own combination of mania and depression. Within these lie additional variations which, when identified, allow for more focused and effective treatment.

Types of bipolar include:

• Bipolar disorder type 1 – Those with this type experience the symptoms typically associated with bipolar disorder, including manic episodes lasting one week or more, periods of major depression, and mixed episodes.
• Bipolar disorder type 2 – A milder form of bipolar disorder, those with bipolar 2 experience less severe mood extremes and milder forms of mania known as hypomania, alternating with periods of severe depression.

At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we have helped clients with both types of bipolar disorder. We can show you ways in which, with God’s help, you can live a more stable, productive life.

Typical Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

The following list of symptoms may help you decide whether to seek treatment for yourself or your loved one for bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar Depression – Depression, itself, is a condition for which you ought to seek treatment. However, bipolar depression differs in that the mood changes from depressed to manic are cyclical.It is common for bipolar depression episodes to last two weeks or even longer, and they are characterized by intense sadness, weariness, lack of motivation, and occasionally even suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Bipolar Mania – At the other end of the spectrum is bipolar mania. Bipolar mania lasts at least a week, and can include high levels of irritation, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, bouts of extreme motivation and goal setting, racing thoughts, increased involvement in pleasurable activities such as sex (illicit or not), impulsive money spending, and other high-risk behaviors.
• Hypomania – Hypomania is a less extreme form of bipolar mania (usually associated with type 2 bipolar disorder) that doesn’t always display high-risk behavior but still involves the elevated moods and high productivity.
• Mixed Episode – Mixed episodes can be difficult to explain to an outsider. A person experiencing mixed episodes actually feels both manic and depressed at the same time, with symptoms occurring daily for at least a week.
• Rapid-Cycling – Trapid-cycling describes those who swing from mania to depression four times or more within a period of one year. Rapid-cycling can happen with both types of bipolar disorder.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

Bipolar disorder can be an exhausting condition to live with, both for the victim and for those around them.Extreme emotions are often accompanied by risky behavior or even suicidal tendencies. Everyone is affected differently, however, and while some are so weighed down by their condition that they struggle to maintain relationships, keep their job, or even perform basic daily tasks, others are highly functional.

During the manic times, you may feel as though the world was your oyster and that nothing could possibly stand in your way, and then you hit the downside of the emotional roller coaster, plunging into darkness so deep that you feel worthless, drained, and listless.

At Bellevue Christian Counseling, our counselors will thoroughly analyze your symptoms and, with your permission, include your physician in the process of designing a plan that will best fit your situation.

We offer client-centered counseling that finds you where you are and guides you down a path to recovery and faith in Jesus Christ.

How Does Christian Counseling Help Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Psychotherapy, or ‘talk’ therapy, is an important part of bipolar disorder treatment. By meeting with one of our trained therapists, you can learn how to sort out the confusing jumble of thoughts and emotions you experience.

Types of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Behavioral therapy teaches stress-reducing behaviors.
• Cognitive therapy involves identifying and modifying patterns of thinking that accompany mood shifts.
• Interpersonal therapy seeks to reduce tension in relationships caused by bipolar disorder.
• Social rhythm therapy attempts to develop and maintain a normal sleep schedule and more predictable daily routines.
• Family therapy offers support for you and your family. Your loved ones will acquire a more thorough understanding of bipolar disorder while learning how to best support you. They will also be given an opportunity to voice any emotions and concerns they might have.

Bellevue Christian Counseling also offers group counseling where clients can join together with others who struggle with the same or similar issues in order to find acceptance and compassion. These support groups cultivate a mutual encouraging by providing an environment in which group members can learn the skills necessary to handle their symptoms, be open about their struggles, receive encouragement, and celebrate their victories. Family members and friends might also benefit from a group setting where they will gain perspective on the implications of bipolar disorder, and learn how best to support their loved ones.

Bipolar Counseling for Children and Teens

While bipolar disorder most commonly occurs in older teens and young adults, there is admittedly a degree of controversy about the occurrence of bipolar disorder in children. Some experts believe that the condition can be seen in children as young as six years old, while others assert that bipolar disorder in children is both rare and over-diagnosed.

If your child shows symptoms of bipolar disorder or has even been diagnosed with it, we are available to help. We focus on your child’s symptoms, and his or her unique needs.Whatever age they are, children or teens with bipolar disorder can benefit from Christian counseling. They will learn to manage their symptoms and learn to control their emotions instead of being controlled by them.

The goal of Christian counseling for bipolar disorder is to help you learn to manage the symptoms that accompany the extreme moods you suffer from. In manic times you may find yourself full of ideas and energy, but it may lead you down a road that is contrary to your values. In times of depression, it may be very difficult to sense the presence of God. We aim to show you that Christ is with you through thick and thin.

The Benefits of Christian Counseling for bipolar disorder:

• Knowledge of how bipolar disorder affects your life and the lives of those around you.
• Tools to master any symptoms that inhibit your ability to function well.
• Accountability and motivation to stay on any prescribed medication.
• Support from those who understand the struggles and complexities of bipolar disorder.
• Learning to hold fast to Jesus Christ and the hope and redemption found in the gospel.

If you or someone you love struggles with bipolar disorder, Bellevue Christian Counseling is here to offer help and support. Our compassionate counselors make use of faith-based bipolar counseling which encourages you to draw strength and wisdom from the Word of God and to lean on the Lord Jesus Christ for healing.

Start finding relief from bipolar disorder today by calling 425-939-6856 or contacting one of our counselors directly.