We all have our ups and downs, but for a person with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder these peaks and valleys are more severe. Bipolar disorder causes serious shifts in a persons mood, energy, thinking, and behavior—from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. It is more than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of a bipolar disorder experience last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of a bipolar disorder encounter are so intense that they can interfere with a persons job or school performance, damage relationships, and disrupt a persons ability to function in daily life. Bipolar disorder is a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition. However, the signs and symptoms can be subtle and confusing. Many people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder are often overlooked or misdiagnosed at first, resulting in unnecessary suffering. Since the effects of a bipolar disorder diagnosis tend to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the signs and symptoms look like. Recognizing that a person may have a mental health diagnosis is the first step to feeling better and getting life back on track. If you or someone you know may be experiencing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, reach out to a mental health professional for an assessment and discussion on how to develop solutions that can improve life. Call us at 1-855-662-7474 if you need someone to talk to about your substance use and mental health concerns. Professional counselors are here to hear you and offer support on the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And, check out the NM 5-Actions Program™ to begin your online self-guided substance use and behavioral addictions recovery and resiliency path.
Habit Stacking
As we proceed into the new year are you finding it difficult to change existing habits or introduce new ones? Finding an effective technique for
