Understanding and Treating Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is more prevalent than one might think. It’s considered one of the top 10 leading causes of disability worldwide and affects both teens and adults. Despite how common this disorder is, the condition itself is misunderstood and rarely spoken about in society. This causes those living with bipolar disorder to feel isolated and alone. Without treatment, this mental health condition can worsen and become life-threatening. 

That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, we provide compassionate and comprehensive treatment for those living with bipolar disorder. Although this condition cannot be cured, it can be treated. Those in recovery can live normal lives with the right treatment and continued support. To understand how bipolar disorder is treated at Driftwood Recovery, we must first understand what bipolar disorder is. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by periods of high (mania, hypomania) and low (depression) mood episodes. These episodes can result in intense shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behaviors. Manic episodes can result in risk-taking and erratic behavior. Hypomania is not as severe as mania, but it can still interfere with a person’s ability to participate in normal life.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder, including:

• Bipolar I disorder: Involves at least one episode of mania that can be extreme and dangerous. Major depression may be experienced, but it is not required for a diagnosis. This type of bipolar disorder is considered the most severe and can result in hospitalization. 
• Bipolar II disorder: Though similar to bipolar I, this type always has depressive episodes with occasional hypomania. Bipolar II is not less severe than bipolar I, as it is a separate diagnosis. Sometimes, bipolar II can develop into bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic disorder: Known as cyclothymia, this type of bipolar disorder has less severe highs and lows compared to bipolar I and II, with shorter episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia can develop into bipolar I or II.

Scientists aren’t sure what causes bipolar disorder, but it’s believed that genetics, brain structure, environment, and lifestyle factors can play a role in its development. 

Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder

There are a few myths surrounding bipolar disorder that act as a barrier to treatment. Knowing the truth behind these myths is essential not just for encouraging an individual to seek treatment but also for improving public health and awareness.

Myth #1: People With Bipolar Disorder Are Dangerous and Violent

The truth is that people with bipolar disorder are no more violent than an average person. They may say hurtful things in the heat of anger, but physical violence is not caused by bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to harm themselves through risk-taking behavior and suicide than they are to harm another person.

Myth #2: Having Bipolar Disorder Is Good Cause Mania Increases Productivity

During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may feel more confident or feel little need for sleep. However, these episodes can also cause irritability and difficulty focusing. People in a manic or hypomanic episode may also take unusual risks, which can have negative consequences on their school, work, or social life. 

Myth #3: Bipolar Disorder Looks the Same and Is Easy to Diagnose

Though bipolar disorder is marked by unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, how these symptoms present themselves in individuals varies. Some people may rapidly shift between episodes or experience mixed affective states, which can make a diagnosis tricky. 

Myth #4: Living With This Disorder Is Impossible

Plenty of people live normal and successful lives while having bipolar disorder. Though the condition cannot be cured, therapy, medication, and coping skills training allow for continuous recovery. 

Seeking Treatment at Driftwood Recovery

Treatment for bipolar disorder at Driftwood Recovery varies, but all contain a mix of medication and therapeutic techniques. Psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help teach emotional regulation and recognize harmful patterns. Medications, such as mood stabilizers, help to mitigate severe symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Medication management helps clients stay safe while taking medications and get into the habit of managing their health needs. Other therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can also be useful in treatment depending on the individual’s needs. 

Clients are also given training on how to manage their condition. Teaching clients self-care and mindfulness techniques ensure that they stay healthy during and after treatment. Relapse prevention training is also essential in helping clients stay in recovery long after treatment has concluded. These workshops are essential in teaching clients how to manage their disorder without turning or returning to substance use.

Driftwood Recovery, at its core, is a holistic treatment facility. This means that not just the mind is treated, but the body and spirit as well. Clients can expect to use therapeutic techniques such as art therapy, therapeutic recreation, and yoga. Nutritional science is also important, as clients learn how to change their diet to minimize symptoms and improve overall health. Finally, clients are taught that they are not their disorder. Although they have bipolar disorder, it does not define who they are as a person. Building up self-esteem, inspiring courage, and finding understanding are all important for continuous recovery. 

Finally, no client is ever alone at Driftwood Recovery. With a robust peer support and alumni program, clients will always have contact with those who understand what they have gone through and the conditions they live with. Preventing isolation and loneliness ensures that no matter where you go, you will always find help at Driftwood Recovery. 

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite how common this condition is, those who struggle with it often feel isolated and alone. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, our clients are never alone. With a focus on providing judgment-free, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment, anyone can recover from bipolar disorder and live a normal, successful life. Our holistic treatment philosophy ensures that it’s not just your mind that recovers but your body and spirit as well. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Driftwood Recovery today by calling (512) 759-8330. 

Recovery is a lifelong process of change, and rebuilding your life does not happen overnight. However, you can rebuild your life and recover the self by fostering purpose and meaning. You can find purpose and meaning by working on the different domains of your life that may have been disrupted by substance abuse and other mental health challenges. Power in education, in particular, can be incredibly valuable to support your ability to rebuild and thrive in other domains of life, like work.

At Driftwood Recovery, we know access to support through services and resources in an alumni program can turn clinical insight into action. The action of clinical insight is not born solely out of treatment but the willingness to open yourself to learning and growing in every domain of life. Thus, power in education can be an integral part of the recovery process. Through the power of education, you gain access to tools that can help you unlock deeper recesses of the inner self. With greater self-understanding comes positive change inside and out to help you heal and lead a self-directed life.

Despite the potential advantages found in power in education, pursuing education can be daunting. You may have previous experience in school settings that left you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In some cases, school-related stress may have contributed to your self-medicating with substances to cope. Thus, concerns about putting your recovery in jeopardy if you return or start your education are understandable. However, with the support of alumni, you can reduce the risk factors found in educational settings and thrive in power in education.

Expanding your awareness of stress and co-occurring disorders on college campuses is an important step toward building a healthy plan for your education.

Stressed Out: Impact of Stress on Recovery

Stress is a common trigger for addiction relapse and mental distress. Yet, stress is a normal part of life and even works as a useful survival skill. Thus, it is impossible to lead a stress-free life as stress pops up in your home, work, and school life. However, stress becomes a problem and a risk factor when you lack the tools for healthy coping. College, in particular, can be a significant source of stress as you navigate deadlines, social relationships, and exposure to substances. 

The Presence of Co-Occurring Disorders in College

Attending college can be a stressful time for any student, but there has been a surge in reported mental health disorders among college students. According to “College and University Response to Mental Health Crises” from Mental Health America (MHA), an estimated 26% of people 18 and older in the U.S. have a diagnosable mental health condition. Academic performance and well-being are greatly diminished by untreated mental conditions. For many students, challenges with stress and mental illness also contribute to substance misuse. 

As noted in “Monitoring the Future” from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), young adults had a historically high prevalence of substance misuse like vaping and alcohol. The prevalence of substance use during college is tied to multiple contributors, including party culture, academic stress, and mental illness. Thus, the risk for relapse among students in recovery makes addressing co-occurring disorders paramount. Some of the ways colleges are supporting mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) challenges include:

• Communication about mental health and SUD
  • University-wide emails
  • Social media 
  • Educational and social events
• Integrated training for faculty and staff
• Community-based services
• Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs)

Colleges are taking important steps toward supporting students both in and not in recovery with resources like CRPs.

Finding Power in Education With College Recovery Programs

Yet, what are CRPs? According to the Journal of American College Health, CRPs are campus-based communities of students in SUD recovery. With professional support, CRPs create a peer-driven network of students committed to maintaining their recovery and achieving their educational goals. At the university level, CRPs can support power in education through seamless access to resources like:

• Sober events
• Peer support
• Sober housing
• Stress management
• Relapse prevention
• Mutual support meetings
• Crisis support
• Financial benefits
• Academic benefits

No matter where you are on your recovery journey, an alumni program can support your recovery. Through recovery high schools, CRPs, and stress management, you can thrive in recovery.

Learning to Manage Stress Through Power in Education

Whether you are ready to pursue a GED or higher education, there is space to grow. Leaning on the support of an alumni program can help you find power in education in other domains of life, like stress management. Listed below are some of the ways you can manage stress in school and your daily life:

• Sleep routine
• Eat nutritious food
• Physical movement
• Do hobbies and activities
• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Spend time with loved ones
• Plan ahead
• Chunk tasks into manageable pieces
• Seek professional support

While stress is a normal part of life and college, it does not have to jeopardize your recovery and well-being. With support, you can pursue your life goals, like higher education, to lead a meaningful and purposeful life.

Fostering Power in Education With Alumni at Driftwood Recovery

At Driftwood Recovery, we believe access to a wide variety of services and resources strengthens our therapeutic impact for lasting recovery. Alone, recovery can feel daunting, and it can be difficult to figure out how to move forward in other domains of life. However, with support, you can be empowered by education to thrive in recovery. Therefore, access to resources like CRPs and stress management is made possible by services in our alumni program. 

We believe in your ability to do courageous things for yourself, your loved ones, and the wider community. Thus, we provide access to resources like education consultants through our compassionate peer-driven network. Whether you want to pursue higher education, employment, or build relationships, you can find support to achieve your life goals with a vibrant alumni community.

Rebuilding your life in recovery can feel daunting, especially if you want to pursue higher education. College life can expose you to greater stress, substances, and mental health disorders that can increase your risk for relapse. However, you can find power in education with support resources and services like collegiate recovery programs (CRPs). Through a strong treatment alumni program, you have access to a peer-driven network and resources like education consultants to build a meaningful and purposeful life in recovery. At Driftwood Recovery, we are dedicated to providing a wide range of services and resources to meet you where you are on your recovery journey. Call us at (512) 759-8330 to learn how our alumni program can support you.