Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by intense highs and lows. People who suffer from this disorder experience periods of depression and mania. The symptoms can make it difficult for someone to be successful at work and maintain healthy relationships with friends and family members. According to Helpguide.org, treatment for this disorder includes therapy and medication, and people with this disorder usually require lifelong treatment and maintenance.
Education
A therapist can help a bipolar patient prevent relapse by educating her about the disorder. For instance, the therapist would teach her about the signs and symptoms of the disorder, what causes and triggers the disorder and how the disorder is treated. The client will learn how to recognize the early signs of depressive and manic episodes, so she can get immediate treatment to reduce the severity of the episodes.
Medication
Most of the time, it's recommended that someone with bipolar disorder take medication to reduce the symptoms. The most common type of medication prescribed for bipolar disorder is mood stabilizing medications such as lithium or Depakote. Someone with this disorder may feel as if he no longer needs medication, because he feels as if he's cured. However, if he stops medication without discussing it with his psychiatrist or doctor, the symptoms might return and cause him to have a manic or depressive episode.
Support
Another technique therapists use is involving relevant family members in treatment. When someone in the family has bipolar disorder, all family members are affected by the person's emotions and behaviors. The therapist would work with the family to learn about the disorder and how to prevent the manic and depressive episodes from recurring. The therapist might talk to the family members about the important of continuous medication and therapy. Also, she would teach the family the signs and symptoms of the disorder, so they could get help for their family member before a manic or depressive episode occurs.
Stress Management Techniques
Depression and mania can be triggered by overwhelming stress, so it's important that someone with this disorder learn how to cope with stress in healthy ways. A therapist would work with a client to understand the impact of stress and how to handle daily stressors. The first thing a therapist might suggest is implementing daily healthy habits in order to prevent stress and bipolar symptoms--quitting drinking and using drugs, getting regular exercise, getting eight hours of sleep and eating healthy. A therapist also may work on helping the client list ways in which he can reduce stress--for instance, going hiking with a friend on the weekends, meditating in the mornings or calling a family member for a quick stress reliever.
