Living with bipolar disorder can feel like navigating constant storms, not only for those directly affected but also for their loved ones. The extreme highs of mania and deep lows of depression can cause significant disruption to daily life, relationships, and emotional stability.
However, there is hope. Thanks to advancements in mental health treatment, many people with bipolar are now able to live fulfilling, stable lives.
Central to this success is the adoption of a comprehensive treatment plan, which not only includes medication – a crucial aspect of treating most bipolar disorders – but supportive therapy and other types of psychotherapy in addition.
While medication can play a vital role in stabilizing mood and preventing episodes, the most successful and lasting outcomes are achieved when medication is combined with psychotherapy, as this gives individuals with bipolar the safe space to talk about how they feel, understand their condition, learn how to manage their symptoms, and achieve balance.
Do you or a close family member need help with diagnosing or treating bipolar disorder?
REACH Behavioral Health Ohio can help.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by periods of intense emotional states that significantly affect a person’s mood, energy, behavior, and activity levels.
These mood episodes can last from days to weeks, and typically range from the manic/hypomanic phase – characterized by high energy, impulsive behavior, and sometimes euphoria or unusual irritability – to depressive phases, marked by intense sadness, low energy, an inability to experience joy or pleasure, and feelings of hopelessness.
The condition affects around 2.8% of adults in the United States each year, with symptoms most often emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood.
As the shifts in mood are so much more severe than those experienced by others, bipolar disorder typically impacts not only the individual, but also their relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, often creating challenges in maintaining stability in these areas.
Without treatment, bipolar disorder can lead to strained relationships, difficulty maintaining employment, and even physical health issues. This is why psychotherapies for bipolar disorder, like supportive therapy, are so essential – they help individuals understand their emotional states and equip them with tools to navigate the challenges bipolar disorder brings.
Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several types, each with unique characteristics. The three main types of bipolar disorder are as follows:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I is defined as having had at least one manic episode lasting at least seven days, or requiring hospitalization. This is often followed by major depressive episodes that typically last at least two weeks, although episodes of depression aren’t required for a bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II is defined as having had at least one major depressive episode of at least two weeks, and at least one hypomanic episode, which is a shorter (4+ days) and less severe version of mania. Bipolar II disorder is often misunderstood as a “milder” form of bipolar, but this is not accurate. While it does not include full-blown mania, its depressive episodes are often more persistent and debilitating.
Cyclothymic disorder
Also known as cyclothymia, this is when a person doesn’t meet the specific criteria for bipolar I or II, but experiences near-constant unstable moods over a period of at least two years – including episodes of both hypomania and mild depression – with any normal-mood periods lasting no longer than eight weeks during this time. While the symptoms of cyclothymia aren’t severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria of bipolar I and II, they can impact a person’s life just as much.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for bipolar disorder to be misdiagnosed or overlooked, mostly because its symptoms can overlap with conditions such as major depression, anxiety disorders, or ADHD.
Additionally, it’s very common for people with bipolar disorder to experience comorbidities like alcoholism, substance use disorders, ADHD, or PTSD, which can complicate the diagnostic process as well as exacerbate symptoms.
These factors further highlight the need for a comprehensive treatment approach that encompasses both psychiatry and psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), to ensure all aspects of the individual’s mental health are both identified and addressed.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
The treatment of bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual’s needs.
This involves:
- Medication: A vital aspect for most people with bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are commonly prescribed by a psychiatrist – and then continually monitored and managed – to help regulate mood swings and minimize symptoms.
- Psychotherapy: Often now considered the cornerstone of treatment, psychotherapy helps people with bipolar to understand and learn how to deal with their condition. Various types of psychotherapy are effective in treating bipolar, but supportive therapy is typically one of the most consistently used and important modalities for bipolar disorder because it provides a safe and understanding environment while addressing the emotional challenges that come with the condition.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Developing healthy routines, such as regular sleep, exercise, and nutrition, can play a crucial role in maintaining stability. Treating any drug or alcohol addictions is also vital, as it is extremely hard to manage bipolar disorder if a person continues to misuse these substances.
- Education and support: Education about the condition, both for the individual and their family, and ensuring a good support network is in place – which can include support groups as well as personal networks – are also greatly beneficial aspects that are usually integrated into a person’s overall treatment plan.
What is bipolar disorder supportive therapy?
Supportive therapy is a term that can carry different meanings.
It is in fact a type of psychotherapy, and perhaps even one of the most commonly used, as it occurs in almost every therapist-patient encounter. However, it’s one of the least written about or studied, and as such isn’t particularly well-known as a specific type of psychotherapy.
For this reason, people sometimes understand supportive therapy to be any therapy that is supportive, or that supports another treatment – such as psychotherapy supporting medication in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
In the case of bipolar, both meanings are important as well as valid.
Research has shown that people with bipolar are more likely to get well faster and stay well if their medication treatment is supported by intensive psychotherapy. Therapy is therefore a vital “supportive treatment” for bipolar disorder.
However, supportive therapy itself – i.e. as a specific type of psychotherapy – is also an important aspect.
Supportive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where a person feels validated and understood. Rather than delving into your past or your inner psyche, it’s focused on providing empathy, encouragement, and validation as you go through difficult circumstances or challenges.
For people with bipolar disorder, supportive therapy can help them better understand their condition, navigate the emotional impact of mood episodes, and develop strategies to maintain stability. This is particularly helpful when first starting to work with a therapist as it helps build trust and a strong patient-therapist relationship. Many bipolar therapists will then start to integrate other psychotherapy approaches once that initial trust and bond is established.
Why psychotherapy is so important for bipolar disorder
Psychotherapy plays a vital role in managing bipolar disorder by addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that come with the condition. While medication helps regulate the biological aspects of bipolar disorder, therapy focuses on improving coping skills, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Supportive therapy plays an important role in treating bipolar, however, there are several other psychotherapy frameworks that are equally important and effective. Most therapists will utilize multiple approaches, using supportive therapy in conjunction with other frameworks to provide emotional stability while addressing the cognitive and behavioral aspects of bipolar disorder.
Overall, psychotherapy for bipolar disorder helps individuals:
- Recognize early warning signs of mood episodes and take preventive action.
- Understand and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.
- Improve communication skills and strengthen relationships with loved ones.
- Build resilience to manage the day-to-day challenges of the condition.
This combination of emotional and practical support makes therapy indispensable in the journey toward stability and well-being.
The best types of therapy for bipolar disorder
Different psychotherapies offer unique benefits for managing bipolar disorder, so the best therapy for bipolar usually involves a combination of approaches tailored to an individual’s unique symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
However, these are the most effective and commonly used approaches:
- Supportive therapy: Provides a nonjudgmental space for emotional expression and problem-solving, helping individuals build confidence and resilience.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can trigger mood episodes.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): Helps individuals establish regular routines and improve interpersonal relationships, which are crucial for maintaining emotional stability.
- Family-focused therapy (FFT): Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a supportive home environment.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, which are particularly helpful for individuals with intense mood swings or co-occurring conditions.
Get the help you deserve with supportive therapy for bipolar disorder at REACH
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s possible to achieve stability and lead a fulfilling life.
Getting help is vital, and supportive therapy for bipolar disorder is a crucial part of learning how to manage your symptoms, build resilience, and improve your relationships.
At Reach Behavioral Health in Ohio, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that address each individual’s unique needs. Our compassionate and experienced therapists are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you navigate the challenges of bipolar disorder with confidence.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are struggling to manage your symptoms, or if you think you may have bipolar disorder, don’t continue to struggle alone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you, and take the first step toward finding stability and well-being.