Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Faithland Recovery Center
Dr. Vaun Williams
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that involves episodes of depression and episodes of mania (or hypomania, in a milder form).
It can be confusing, disruptive, and exhausting, especially when symptoms are misunderstood as “personality” or “willpower.” But bipolar disorder is treatable, and many people learn to manage it well with the right mix of care, skills, and support.
How common is bipolar disorder? (U.S.) NIMH
- Past-year prevalence: about 2.8% of U.S. adults
- Lifetime prevalence: about 4.4% of U.S. adults
Globally, the WHO estimates ~37 million people live with bipolar disorder and notes it can cause significant disability.
What Are Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
Bipolar disorder includes shifts in mood and changes in energy, activity, thinking, and behavior. Episodes can look very different from person to person, and many people are misdiagnosed at first (often as depression alone).
Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms May Include
- Increased energy or activity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech
- Increased confidence or feeling “invincible”
- Impulsivity (spending, sex, substances, risky decisions)
Depressive Symptoms May Include
- Low mood, numbness, hopelessness
- Low energy, sleep/appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Thoughts of death or suicide (in some cases)
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911 (U.S.) or go to the nearest ER. If you need urgent crisis support, call/text 988.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Common diagnoses include:
- Bipolar I Disorder: involves at least one manic episode (often with depressive episodes too).
- Bipolar II Disorder: involves hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: chronic mood fluctuations (less severe than full episodes) over a longer period.
- Other specified/unspecified bipolar disorders: clinically significant symptoms that don’t fit neatly into the above categories.
A careful assessment matters because treatment planning depends on the pattern of symptoms over time.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Bipolar Symptoms
Emotional & cognitive
- Mood shifts that feel bigger than the situation
- Periods of feeling unusually driven or “wired”
- Irritability or agitation that impacts relationships
- Cycles of shame after impulsive behavior
Behavioral
- Big changes in sleep (especially reduced need for sleep)
- Increased risk-taking or substance use
- Bursts of productivity followed by crashes
Functional
- Work/school disruption
- Relationship conflict
- Financial consequences of impulsive decisions
Concerned that you or a loved one may be living with bipolar disorder? Begin a conversation with our team today.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Often Overlap
Many people use alcohol or drugs to cope with insomnia, agitation, trauma symptoms, or emotional pain. But substances can also destabilize mood and sleep, two key episode triggers.
- Reviews report high rates of substance use disorders in bipolar disorder, sometimes described as affecting up to ~70% of patients in some clinical samples, according to the NIMH.
- Alcohol use disorder comorbidity is commonly reported as substantial (often 40–70% lifetime estimates).
That’s why Faithland emphasizes dual diagnosis care to treat mood and substance use together.
Concerned that you or a loved one may be living with bipolar disorder? Begin a conversation with our team today.
Faithland’s Holistic Approach to Treating Bipolar Disorder
We honor the whole person, mind, body, spirit, environment, and relationships, so healing supports long-term stability, not just short-term symptom reduction.
1) Mind: Evidence-Based Therapies and Skills
Medication is often foundational in bipolar disorder, and guidelines strongly support adjunct psychosocial treatment to reduce relapse and improve functioning.
Evidence-supported therapies can include:
- Psychoeducation (often first-line for maintenance): understanding patterns, triggers, early warning signs
- CBT for bipolar disorder: managing thinking traps, routine disruption, and mood-related behaviors
- Family-Focused Therapy (FFT): communication and relapse prevention with support people
2) Body: Routine, Sleep, Movement
Lifestyle support focuses on stability, especially protecting sleep and maintaining daily structure, which can be powerful tools for preventing episodes.
We support:
- Sleep consistency (timing matters)
- Nourishing meals and steady energy
- Movement that supports mood regulation
- Stress reduction and nervous system tools
3) Spirit: Meaning and Values
Mood episodes can shake identity and purpose. We support reconnection to meaning in ways that respect all beliefs.
4) Environment: A Calm, Stabilizing Setting
Stability is easier when your environment supports rest, routine, and reduced triggers.
5) Relationships: Support Without Rescue
With consent, we can involve loved ones through education and family therapy, ensuring steady and informed support, rather than reactive responses.
Conversation: It’s not just mood. It’s rhythm and building stability.
Sam: “I’ll go through a phase where I feel amazing, like sleep is optional and my ideas are unstoppable. Then I crash into depression and hate myself. What is this pattern?”
Therapist: “That swing is common in bipolar disorder. And here’s a helpful way to think about it: it’s not only about mood, but also rhythm. Like your sleep, routines, stress load, substances, and relationships. When rhythm gets disrupted, episodes become more likely.”
Sam: “So what can I actually do to help myself?”
Therapist: “A lot. You can build stability on purpose. We’ll focus on a few key areas:
1. Protect sleep like medicine (consistent wake time, sunlight in the morning, a wind-down routine, and early signs that your sleep is shifting).
2. Create steady routines for meals, movement, and daily structure.
3. Manage stress with practical regulation tools, because stress can destabilize mood.
4. Avoid alcohol and drugs, since they can disrupt sleep and mood and often worsen cycling.
5. Use therapy skills like psychoeducation and CBT to recognize early warning signs, reduce triggers, and respond sooner rather than later. And if it fits, we can include rhythm-based approaches and supportive family work.”
Sam: “So I can do things to help myself.”
Therapist: “Yes, lots of things. Medication can be a key foundation for many people, but your day-to-day choices are the structure around it. When you combine both, you’re not just ‘hoping’ for stability, you’re actively creating it.”
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder at Faithland
Individual therapy, psychiatric support, and skills for long-term stability.
2) Virtual Intensive Outpatient Therapy (VIOP)
More structure and support while remaining at home.
3) Medication Management (When Needed)
Medication can be essential for bipolar disorder management. Our team provides psychiatric evaluation, monitoring, and coordination with other providers.
4) Dual Diagnosis Track (Bipolar + Substance Use)
Integrated treatment when mood instability and substance use are intertwined, so you’re not forced to treat one while the other worsens.
Insurance FAQs
At Faithland, we accept most PPO insurance. Please call us or complete the insurance verification form via the link below to verify your insurance.
Building Tools for the Long Term
Treatment isn’t only about preventing a crisis. It has a holistic focus that works to build a life that supports stability and meaning. At Faithland, clients often learn to:
- Track mood and sleep to catch early warning signs
- Reduce triggers and stress load
- Strengthen lifestyle routines that stabilize the nervous system
- Use CBT tools to manage mood-driven thinking and behavior
Hope and Stability Are Possible
Bipolar disorder can make life feel unpredictable. With informed care, steady routines, psychological tools, and the right medical support, many people build lasting stability and a future they trust again.
Take the first step toward steadiness and support.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Bipolar Disorder (Statistics).
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Bipolar Disorder (Overview/Publications).
- World Health Organization (WHO). Bipolar disorder: Fact sheet.
- Keramatian, K., et al. (2023). CANMAT & ISBD Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder: 2023 update.
- Grunze, H., et al. (2021). Bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder comorbidity (review).
Does Your Insurance Cover Mental Health?
We accept most insurances. Verify your insurance now.