Bipolar Disorder

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

At Seattle Christian Counseling, we are committed to seeing lives transformed by God’s Word, through faith in Christ, and effective Christian counseling. If you are struggling with bipolar or you know someone who is affected by this disorder, we encourage you to take the first step toward managing your symptoms and living an abundant lifestyle. The skilled professionals at Seattle Christian Counseling are equipped to guide you or your loved one through a process of learning healthy management skills that will lead to gradual improvement and transformation.

Am I Bipolar? If I Am, Do I Need Counseling?

The symptoms that accompany bipolar disorder vary from person to person, but typically include defined mood swings from one extreme to the other, specifically between mania and depression.No matter how severe or mild your bipolar symptoms might seem, you shouldn’t have to struggle alone. Christian counseling for bipolar disorder with Seattle Christian Counseling can provide you with the tools you need to manage your symptoms well.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Over the years, researchers have discovered that bipolar disorder includes different types, each with diverse experiences of mania and depression. Within these types are additional variations which, when diagnosed, make treatment for bipolar disorder more effective.

Types of bipolar disorder 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 Seattle Christian Counseling, we see clients with both types of bipolar and can show you ways in which you can live a more stable, productive life with God’s help.

Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

If you suspect that you or a loved one might have bipolar disorder, consider these commonly associated symptoms:

• Bipolar Depression – Major depression is itself a condition. What makes bipolar depression different is the cycling of moods between mania and depression. Episodes of bipolar depression last two weeks or more and are characterized by extreme sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Bipolar Mania – Bipolar mania episodes last at least one week. Symptoms can vary but include elevated or extremely irritable moods, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, high levels of motivation and goal setting, racing thoughts, increased involvement in pleasurable activities including promiscuity, spending sprees, and other risky behaviors.
• Hypomania – A less severe form of bipolar mania (usually seen in bipolar disorder type 2), hypomania doesn’t always involve risky behavior but is rather associated with elevated moods and increased productivity.
• Mixed Episode – Sometimes difficult to describe to those who don’t experience these symptoms, a person experiencing mixed episodes feels both “up” and “down” at the same time. Symptoms of both mania and depression occur nearly every day for at least one week.
• Rapid-Cycling – This term describes those who transition from mania to depression at least four times in a 12-month period. Each episode must last long enough to be considered a distinct episode. Rapid-cycling can happen with both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

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

Living with bipolar disorder can be exhausting for both the one diagnosed and those who love them. For many, emotions and moods are often in the extreme – whether it is extreme sadness or euphoric happiness, there can be serious and sometimes dangerous implications such as risky behavior or suicidal tendencies. Like many other conditions, not everyone is affected in the same way. Some with bipolar disorder are highly functional. Others are so encumbered by the disorder that they struggle to maintain relationships, hold down jobs, and even battle with daily tasks.

With bipolar disorder, at times you may feel as if you’re on top of the world, full of energy, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Then before you know it, you’re plummeting into darkness. You feel worthless, tired, and lack the motivation to do much of anything.

Bipolar disorder can be very difficult, especially when trying to cope with it alone. At Seattle Christian Counseling, your counselor will consider the nature of your symptoms and may ask to include your physician in the process of creating a treatment plan that will best meet your needs.

One WebMD article asserts, “While medications are usually the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder, ongoing psychotherapy is important to help patients understand and accept the personal and social disruptions of past episodes and better cope with future ones.”

That’s exactly why we’re here. At Seattle Christian Counseling, your therapist will seek to offer client-centered counseling to meet you at your point of need and guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle found through faith in Jesus Christ.

How Can Christian Counseling Help Treat Bipolar Disorder?

According to another article on WebMD, “Psychotherapy, or ‘talk’ therapy, is an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder.” Your therapist at Seattle Christian Counseling can show you how to sift through any thoughts and emotions that may seem jumbled and confusing.

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 aims to reduce tension in relationships caused by bipolar disorder.
• Social rhythm therapy seeks 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 gain a better understanding of bipolar disorder while learning how to best support you. They will also be given an opportunity to voice their emotions and concerns.

In addition, Seattle Christian Counseling offers group counseling options, in which clients can come together with others who struggle with similar issues to find compassion and camaraderie. These support groups foster an environment of mutual encouragement by providing an opportunity for group members to learn coping skills, share concerns, and celebrate victories. Family members and friends may also benefit from a group setting by gaining a better understanding of all the implications and learning how to support their loved ones.

Bipolar Counseling for Children and Teens

Bipolar disorder is most common in older teens and young adults. There is some controversy over bipolar in children. Some say the condition can affect children as young as six years old, while other experts say that bipolar disorder in children is rare and over-diagnosed. If your child shows symptoms or has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, we can help. By focusing on the symptoms and unique needs of your child, Christian counseling for bipolar disorder can help your child or teen learn to manage and reduce their symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder in children relies on methods used for treating adults, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. For more information, see Christian counseling for children and Christian counseling for teens.

Christian counseling for bipolar disorder aims to help you better manage the symptoms that go hand in hand with the extreme moods you experience. During times of mania, you might find yourself ablaze with ideas and energy, but easily become wrapped up in things that might be contrary to your values. In periods of darkness, it may be hard to sense God’s presence in your life. Our hope is to show you that Christ is with you no matter where you are emotionally. Through faith and good Christian counseling, you can find balance and harmony.

Benefits of Christian counseling for bipolar disorder include:

• Gaining a better understanding of bipolar disorder and how it affects your life and those around you.
• Learning tools to master any symptoms that inhibit your ability to function well.
• Obtaining accountability and motivation to stay on any prescribed medication.
• Finding support from those who understand the struggles and complexities of bipolar disorder.
• Maintaining a positive identity and a peaceful demeanor through forming a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Seeking to cling to the hope and redemption found in the gospel.

If you or someone you love struggles with bipolar disorder, we are here to provide you with guidance and support. Our compassionate counselors utilize a faith-based approach to bipolar counseling, allowing you to draw strength and wisdom from the Word of God while leaning on Christ for healing and understanding.

Start finding relief from bipolar disorder today by calling 206-388-3929 or contacting one of our counselors directly.