Bipolar Disorder
What are the common symptoms?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These fluctuations often involve episodes of mania or hypomania, where individuals experience heightened mood and increased energy, and depressive episodes marked by sadness and low motivation. While these episodes are defining features, it is important to note that individuals with bipolar disorder can also experience periods of stability, where mood and functioning remain balanced.
- Extreme mood swings
- Periods of elevated energy or activity
- Prolonged sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Impulsive or risky behaviour
- Loss of interest in usual activities
Why do I feel like this?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unclear, but research highlights several potential risk factors. These include genetic predisposition, chemical imbalances in the brain, and environmental influences such as trauma or high stress. Family history and significant life changes may also contribute to vulnerability. Understanding these factors can help in early detection and management strategies.
Genetic Influence
Brain Chemistry
Environmental stressors
Environmental factors such as trauma, chronic stress, or major life changes can trigger bipolar episodes in vulnerable individuals. Stressful events like bereavement, job loss, or abuse often act as catalysts, especially when combined with genetic predisposition. These triggers underline the importance of stress management and psychological support as part of comprehensive care for those at risk.
Combined Factors
How does therapy help?
Therapy plays a vital role in managing Bipolar Disorder by providing tools to stabilise mood swings and improve overall well-being. While medication addresses biological aspects, therapy focuses on behavioural, emotional, and cognitive patterns. It helps individuals recognise triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain healthy relationships. Through structured sessions, therapy fosters resilience, reduces relapse risk, and enhances quality of life. Combining therapy with medication often yields the best outcomes, empowering individuals to lead balanced, productive lives. Understanding its benefits is essential for anyone seeking comprehensive treatment for Bipolar Disorder.
Mood Regulation
Therapy teaches techniques to identify early signs of mood changes, enabling timely intervention and reducing the severity of manic or depressive episodes.
Coping Strategies
Structured sessions help individuals develop personalised coping mechanisms for stress, preventing emotional overwhelm and promoting stability during challenging situations.
Trigger Identification
Therapists guide patients in recognising environmental, emotional, or behavioural triggers, allowing proactive management and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Improved Communication
Therapy enhances interpersonal skills, fostering healthier relationships and reducing conflicts that can exacerbate mood instability.
Medication Adherence Support
Therapists reinforce the importance of consistent medication use, addressing concerns and misconceptions to improve treatment compliance.
Relapse Prevention
By creating long-term plans and monitoring progress, therapy minimises recurrence of episodes and promotes sustained mental health.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychologist.
Meet Our Team
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.