Deer Valley Counseling

"Skills for Better Living"

Bipolar Disorder Counseling

If you suspect you may have a bipolar disorder, are interested in counseling, and live in or near Phoenix, Arizona, call Sandra Nettles at 602.750.8051.

Bipolar Disorder

Although a diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional, some generalizations about symptoms can be noted. People with a bipolar disorder tend to suffer from extreme mood swings between elation and depression.

Periods of Elevated Mood

Inflated Self-Esteem. You know that you can do anything even if you have no prior experience or qualifications. You over commit and make grandiose plans.
Decreased Need for Sleep. You seem to be able to get by on just a few hours sleep a day.
Extremely Talkative. You feel a need to talk incessantly.
Racing Thoughts. Your thoughts seem to race.
Distractible. You can be distracted by unimportant things.
Goal-Directed Activity. You pursue goals or pleasure with extreme determination.
Symptoms Cause Problems. These behaviors damage your relationships, career, family, and yourself. People you know are baffled and upset.

Periods of Depressed Mood

Depressed Mood. You feel bad most of the time.
Loss of Interest. You lose interest in activities that used to give you pleasure.
Weight Loss. You lose interest in eating.
Sleep Problems. You sleep too much or too little.
Low Energy. You don't have the energy to perform life's tasks.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt. You feel you have no worth.
Inability to Concentrate. You have problems concentrating on daily tasks.
Mood Swings Not Related to Events. The mood swings baffle family, friends, and coworkers.

Counseling Can Help

Bipolar disorders can severely affect your life, family, relationships, and career. Medication is often needed. In addition, counseling can help—

Identify Mood Swings. What signs tell you that you are experiencing an elevated or depressed mood?
Identify Mood Swing Triggers. What are the events and feelings which trigger a mood swing.
Adjust to Life Without the Extremes. If you achieve an equilibrium where you are not experiencing extreme mood swings, you may feel uncomfortable. You may miss the extreme elation. Counseling can help you adjust to a more stable pattern of moods.
Self-Monitoring. Counseling can teach you the skills to know when you are beginning to experience a mood swing and may need an adjustment in your medication.

Benefits of Counseling for Bipolar Disorders

Counseling has the potential to improve your life in these ways—

Improved relationships
Fewer employment problems
Avoid the extreme lows
Set and achieve more realistic goals

Bipolar Disorder Counseling in Phoenix, Arizona

Bipolar disorders can have devastating consequences for your relationships, career, and life. Counseling can often help. Call 602.750.8051 if you would like to talk to Sandra Nettles about bipolar disorder counseling.