Bipolar Disorder Treatment - April Lyons Psychotherapy Group- Boulder, Longmont, Denver

Have You Been Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder?

Is it distressing to accept that you have a bipolar diagnosis and medication regimen?

Maybe, you are asking yourself why this is happening to you?

Do you wonder what this diagnosis means for your future and those you care about?

Plus, are you worried about the potential consequences if you lose control of your symptoms?

Do you wonder why you “just can’t get it together” or fear that something is wrong with you?

In general, do you wish you had a compassionate shoulder to lean on and some positive encouragement?

Maybe It Feels Like Too Much and You Want It to Stop

In truth, bipolar mood swings are powerful and confusing. They may have driven some of your worst decision-making in the past and likely tested your relationships. With that said, you may feel you are at a disadvantage in every aspect of your life.

It seems unfair that you lack the same motivation and enthusiasm you perceive others to have. Likely, your nights are full of worry and rumination, and your mornings are plagued by exhaustion and dread.

Lurking in the background are thoughts about how this disorder is robbing you of the ability to do what you love and make a good living. Instead, you fall into depression and long for the day you have energy again.

It's not your fault.

From the outside, your energy and depression may look like behavioral choices. Perhaps you’ve even come to realize that it’s hard for your loved ones and all the other people in your life to really believe that bipolar disorder (and all the internal upheaval that accompanies it) is not a choice at all.

I hope you know the turmoil you feel is not your fault and that you are not lazy, weak, or broken. Bipolar has nothing to do with your personality or temperament. Obviously, there is nothing you could have done to prevent it. If you could have, you would have. In fact, bipolar disorder is biologically-based, not a character defect.

Many people in our society do not have the proper education or are ignorant about bipolar. Since it cannot be detected by blood tests or scans, you might be accused of just making it up. Surely, this can be further isolating and painful, especially if you feel as though no one understands you or cares about your wellbeing.

It is not all in your head.

Unaddressed, bipolar disorder is overwhelming. Bipolar disorder is complex, leading to a loss of self-confidence, fostering a propensity for substance abuse or self-harm, and frequently characterized by impulsive behavior. Thankfully, there is support! You can learn to cope with life with this illness.

I specialize in bipolar disorder treatment and would be glad to help you gain control over your life and live with greater ease.

How does bipolar disorder treatment work?

RELAXATION SKILLS

It is common to live in fear of not getting better, getting worse, or simply going through life, never knowing what might happen. Through bipolar disorder treatment, you can learn coping and relaxation skills to help you have more fulfilling interpersonal relationships and deal with stress, so you can see yourself more clearly. In addition, you can begin to release that fear and take hold of your life.

BODY-CENTERED SKILLS

If you have bipolar disorder, you are probably more sensitive to or affected by the environment and things that go on around you. Unfortunately, too much stimulation without a time-out can add up. My body-centered approach can help you identify subtle physical changes, telling you to respond to your needs before things get too overwhelming. For example, by noticing when your face feels hot and your shoulders are tense, you can make sure you get the fresh air you might need to restore a sense of balance.

MINDFULNESS SKILLS

I also include mindfulness exercises that can help you stay calm and relaxed. Also, I will help you develop effective tools that can serve you outside of therapy, ensuring that you stay present in the moment and make positive behavioral choices. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), we can identify patterns of negative beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors so you can get organized and find new solutions. And, as you develop tools and gain deeper self-awareness, you can feel a renewed sense of agency every day.

With help and support, you can have peace and calm.

My clients tell me that they feel I listen and understand what they are going through. They describe me as warm, empathic, open, and non-judgmental. As we get to know each other, I can hold you accountable to stick to your routine and brainstorm what might be causing increased distress. As well as serve as a compassionate guide, helping you stay balanced and in control.

What sets me apart from other therapists?

Throughout my years as a psychotherapist, I have worked with over 100 clients with a bipolar diagnosis at a psychiatric hospital, residential facility, and outpatient setting. I am committed to continuing my education and staying up-to-date with cutting-edge research. And my most valuable experience comes from a personal relationship with a friend who has had bipolar disorder treatment. Therefore, I have a different level of understanding and a deep respect for the added burden and opportunity it brings. Most importantly, I know the benefits of support, routine, and compassion.

Bipolar disorder treatment is highly effective.

In fact, “according to the National Advisory Mental Health Council, the treatment success rate for bipolar disorder is a remarkable 80 percent.” I am glad you are taking a step towards bipolar disorder treatment and doing what you can to get well. Life does not have to be this distressing. You can find peace inside your mind, no matter what you are experiencing. It is possible to find freedom and to channel your emotions towards your passions. You may not have chosen bipolar, but you can choose a life of forward movement.

You may have questions or concerns about bipolar disorder treatment.

WILL YOU JUDGE ME FOR HAVING BIPOLAR?

No! I offer a friendly and secure space for talking about and working through any problems. You will therefore be welcomed irrespective of your gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or spiritual beliefs. You can have a place to vent and express yourself without being censored. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder in our society can be stigmatized. Luckily, this is changing, but it may have impacted you emotionally.

No one wants to feel intense irritation, mood and energy fluctuation, sleep disturbances, or discontent. But your diagnosis doesn’t have to define you or prevent you from living a full, satisfying life. I will help you separate your symptoms from who you are as a person, so you no longer feel ashamed or stuck. Instead, you can grow into your fullest, most empowered self.

IS BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT DIFFERENT FOR TYPE I AS OPPOSED II?

The treatment will be unique to you. Bipolar symptoms are on a continuum and can show up in many different ways. The key to becoming symptom-free is to treat any type of bipolar as thoroughly and for as long as needed. After all, this is the best way to heal and have an optimal life. With this in mind, bipolar treatment in conjunction with medication can enhance your chances of remission, no matter what type it is.

DO I NEED TO BE ON MEDICATION TO WORK WITH YOU?

Because bipolar is biologically-based—in other words, a chemical imbalance—I strongly advise working closely with a psychiatrist and having that conversation with them. While working with me, I can listen to your fears around treatment, and we can decide what is most manageable. Truly, you don’t have to be alone in this. I can help. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us for a free consultation.