Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Living with bipolar disorder can leave you feeling like you’re constantly at war with your own mind. You might wake up feeling capable of conquering the world, only to find yourself struggling to get out of bed a few days later. The people around you may not understand why your mood changes so dramatically, and you might not understand it either. These intense shifts in how you feel and function can be isolating and frightening, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere.

At Peace Valley Recovery, we support people struggling with bipolar disorder by providing specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Our team understands that behind every diagnosis is a person who deserves compassion, respect, and hope for a more stable future.

Ready to take the first step? Call us today at (267) 263-7378 or contact us online.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that are more severe than the normal ups and downs everyone experiences. These episodes can include periods of mania or hypomania (elevated mood) and depression (low mood), affecting a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

The condition affects approximately 2.8 percent of U.S. adults, with symptoms often appearing by age 25. While bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, research shows that women are often diagnosed more frequently and may experience more rapid cycling between episodes.

Bipolar disorder involves changes in brain chemistry and structure that affect mood regulation, making professional treatment essential for managing symptoms and maintaining stability.

When Mood Changes Become a Disorder

Everyone experiences shifts in mood and energy levels throughout their lives. You might feel excited and motivated one week, then tired and less enthusiastic the next. These natural fluctuations are part of being human and typically relate to life circumstances, stress levels, or seasonal changes.

However, bipolar disorder is different. The mood episodes are more intense, last longer, and significantly interfere with your ability to function. During manic episodes, you might feel euphoric, have racing thoughts, need little sleep, or make impulsive decisions that you later regret. During depressive episodes, you may feel hopeless, lose interest in everything, have trouble concentrating, or experience thoughts of death or suicide.

These episodes can last days, weeks, or even months, and the transitions between them can be unpredictable. Understanding this pattern is often one of the first steps toward getting appropriate help.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder presents in different forms, and understanding which type you have helps guide the most effective treatment approach.

Bipolar I Disorder

This involves at least one manic episode that lasts seven days or is severe enough to require hospitalization. Most people with Bipolar I also experience depressive episodes, though depression isn’t required for diagnosis. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 40 million people globally are living with bipolar I disorder.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder, which affects an estimated one percent of the population,  involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but never a full manic episode. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than mania but still represent a clear change from typical mood and behavior.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Considered a less severe form of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder affects 0.4 to one percent of the population. It consists of numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years in adults. The symptoms don’t meet the full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes but still cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.

While each form has unique features, all types of bipolar disorder are serious conditions that benefit from professional treatment and support.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into distinct categories based on the type of episode you’re experiencing. Understanding these patterns can help you recognize when episodes are beginning and seek appropriate support.

Manic episode symptoms include:

• Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
• Increased energy, activity, or agitation
• Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only 2-3 hours)
• Racing thoughts or rapid speech
• Distractibility or difficulty focusing
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

• Poor judgment or risky behavior

Hypomanic episodes have similar symptoms but are less severe and don’t cause major impairment in functioning.

Depressive episode symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Mixed episodes can occur when symptoms of mania and depression happen simultaneously, creating particularly distressing experiences.

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Daily Life

The unpredictable nature of mood episodes can make it challenging to maintain consistent routines, meet responsibilities, or plan for the future.

During manic episodes, you might take on too many projects, spend money impulsively, or make decisions that cause problems later. Depressive episodes can make it difficult to maintain employment or engage with loved ones.

Over time, these patterns can affect self-esteem, career prospects, and relationships. Bipolar disorder also carries increased risks for other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and substance use disorders.

The condition results in a 9.2-year reduction in expected life span, which makes comprehensive treatment crucial for long-term health.

Peace Valley Recovery’s Treatment Approach

At Peace Valley Recovery, we understand that managing bipolar disorder is a gradual journey that requires individualized attention and compassion. Our team is committed to providing care that honors your pace and personal experience.

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers comprehensive daytime treatment five days each week. This option provides structured and focused support while allowing you to return to your home environment every evening, ideal for those needing consistent care without full hospitalization.

For those balancing daily responsibilities, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers treatment sessions lasting approximately three hours, available three to five days weekly. Evening sessions are offered to accommodate busy schedules and personal commitments.

Each program starts with an in-depth evaluation to determine your specific needs and challenges. We collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that feels achievable and tailored to your path toward stability.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Our treatment programs include a range of clinical and holistic therapies to address the full spectrum of bipolar disorder symptoms.

• Individual therapy gives you space to explore your experience, identify early warning signs of mood episodes, and develop tools to manage symptoms. Therapists may use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal therapy, depending on your needs.
• Group therapy offers connection with others who understand what you’re going through. These sessions are guided by trained facilitators and provide a space for learning about mood management, sharing experiences, and building support networks.
• Family therapy can help rebuild communication and understanding with loved ones who may be struggling to comprehend what you’re facing. When appropriate, this work helps create a more supportive environment both during and after treatment.
• Holistic services such as yoga, mindfulness practices, and art or music therapy can support mood regulation and provide healthy outlets for expression. These methods complement clinical care and often make traditional therapy more effective.

What to Expect from Treatment

The early stages of treatment focus on stabilizing mood episodes and creating predictability in your daily routine. You may begin by learning to recognize early warning signs of episodes, developing coping strategies, and establishing healthy sleep and activity patterns.

Recovery from bipolar disorder is typically a long-term process that involves learning to manage the condition rather than expecting a cure. The goal is to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of mood episodes while improving your overall quality of life.

Over time, many people find that they can predict and manage mood episodes more effectively. They develop stronger relationships, maintain stable employment, and pursue meaningful goals. These changes require patience and consistent effort, but with support, they are achievable.

Medication and Medical Support

Medication often plays a crucial role in bipolar disorder treatment. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants can help regulate brain chemistry and prevent mood episodes. This decision is made carefully in collaboration with our medical team, based on your symptoms, history, and treatment goals.

If you are also recovering from substance use, we take extra precautions to ensure your medications support both your mental health and addiction recovery. Finding the right medication combination often takes time and patience.

We provide education about each medication, monitor for side effects, and work with you to find an approach that maximizes benefits while minimizing unwanted effects.