Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Cedar Park, TX will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.
At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.
Treatment for Bipolar Depression—Therapists in Cedar Park, TX
Just the word, “Bipolar” can feel very scary to people. This form of depression is often call manic depression because those are its two poles: mania and depression. When people have the illness, they swing from episodes of frenetic energy to episodes of deep depression. Bipolar Depression is a severe mental illness, and when people have it, their behavior can scare themselves and their family members. Often, the hardest part of having the disorder is before a diagnosis is made. With a diagnosis and treatment, people who have Bipolar Depression can often begin understanding what the disease is doing to their mind and bodies. People may then find the treatment they need to live the life they want.
The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Cedar Park have worked with many clients who are struggling with Bipolar Depression. We understand how the disorder attacks an individual’s life, and we understand the many treatment options that are available. Reach out today for help.
Bipolar Disorder: What Is It?
Learning about what Bipolar is and how if functions may help people come to a better understanding of what is happening in their lives. Bipolar is an illness that can cause chaos in an individual’s life, but behind the chaos, there is a recognizable pattern to the disorder. Understanding may be the first step in healing. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives the diagnostics for recognizing both the depressive and manic phases of Bipolar.
Depressive Phase
In the depressive phase, people will often feel empty, weepy, sad, and hopeless. They often experience disinterest in their daily lives, responsibilities, and activities. The depressive phase will also have at least three of the following symptoms:
- Indecisiveness or an unfocused attention span.
- Changes in psychomotor activity—either slowed or rapid movements such as foot tapping, pacing, or speech.
- Declining stamina and energy.
- An inability to sleep or sleeping excessively.
- Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness and/or guilt.
- Thinking repetitively of death, even suicide idealization.
- Appetite or weight changes—either a decrease or increase.
Manic Phase
These will be present for most of the day, on more days than not, and for a two-week period to be a depressive stage. As difficult as depression is, it is only one of the challenges that Bipolar Depression introduces into an individual’s life. The other phase is mania. This phase can include either a frenetic euphoria or irritation. The DSM-5 gives further diagnostics:
- An abnormally irritable or euphoric state that persists for at least one week.
- If the mania is jubilant, three of the following symptoms will be present. If the mania is contentious, then four will be present:
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Unfocused attention.
- A racing mind that cannot settle.
- Increased verbosity.
- Excessive planning and goal-directed activities.
- Engaging in potentially painful or risky behavior.
- A swollen sense of self-esteem and grandiosity.
- A medication or drug cannot cause these symptoms.
- The symptoms will be severe enough to disturb an individual’s personal and professional life, cause psychosis, or necessitate a hospital trip.
Reaching out for Help from Thriveworks Cedar Park
Just like other serious illness, treatment for Bipolar Depression often requires the supervision of a mental health professional. Skilled therapists can help people find a diagnosis and treatment plan, but this is often only one piece of the puzzle. It may also be important for people to…
- Find a Bipolar support group: this can be a safe place where other people truly understand what you are facing.
- Focus on hope: Bipolar is a challenge, but many people learn to manage the disease. Many resources are available, and there are many reasons to hope.
If you are also looking for mental health care, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Cedar Park. Our therapists have experience diagnosing and treating Bipolar Depression, and we have appointments available. When you call our office, you may have your first appointment within the same week, if you prefer. We also accept many forms of insurance. Let’s work together. Call today.
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Addiction, Life Transition, +3 more 
