About Bipolar Disorder
see also Behavioral Health Treatment

Everyone goes through ups and downs, but when high or low moods start interfering with lives and relationships, there may be a problem. Bipolar disorder is a severe, long-term illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to function.

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings that are divided into two episodes: manic episodes and depressive episodes. During a manic episode, individuals can feel overly "high" and/or irritable, and during depressive episodes, they may feel sad and hopeless. Drastic changes in energy and behavior accompany these changes in mood.

For individuals with bipolar disorder, finding and maintaining a stable mood might seem like and impossible goal. The truth is that bipolar is a manageable illness, but it requires professional help.

Brookhaven Hospital specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder and offers hope to individuals and families. With the right combination of effective therapeutic care, professional medical help, and a compassionate and understanding environment, Brookhaven offers individuals with bipolar disorder the help they need to reclaim a meaningful, productive, and enriching life. Our most recent customer satisfaction survey indicates that more than 91% of patients in our Behavioral Health Program would recommend Brookhaven to others.

The following symptoms are signs and indicators of a bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing these problems, contact us.

Manic phase:

• Increased energy and activity
• Restlessness
• Excessively "high," euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another
• Talking too fast
• Distractibility, can't concentrate well
• Little sleep needed, then using sleeping medications
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• Lasting period of behavior different from the usual
• Increased sex drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, sleeping medications, and alcohol
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

Depressive phase:

• Lasting sad or empty mood
• Heightened anxiety
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Decreased energy, a feeling of being fatigued or "slowed down"
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or not enough
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms not caused by illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Life doesn't have to be an emotional rollercoaster. If you or someone you know might be suffering from a bipolar disorder, take the first step towards a better life. Contact Brookhaven Hospital at 1-888-298-HOPE (4673) or email us at wecanhelp@brookhavenhospital.comWe can help!