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Bipolar Disorder

Most people have ups and downs in their life. Bipolar disorder is more severe “ups and downs”, characterised by periods or mania or hypomania, and periods of depression. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness and requires an assessment and diagnosis by a clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist. It is important that Bipolar Disorder is properly understood and managed to prevent often uncontrollable mood instability.

How do I know I’m not just moody? 

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression (i.e. low mood, lethargy, hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, loss of appetite) as well as episodes of mania (i.e. very elated mood, higher risk taking behaviour, spending sprees, no sleep for days and no indication of fatigue) or hypomania (a lesser version of a manic episode). 

Bipolar disorder can present slightly differently in women compared to men. In women, there is more frequent cycling between depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes each year, the manic episodes are less severe and depression is more frequent, there is greater risk of alcohol misuse, and a greater association with other conditions including thyroid disease, anxiety, obesity, and migraines. 

The Stress and Trauma Centre’s psychologists are here to support you through assessment and diagnosis to ongoing support for management of mood swings. They  use a range of therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (and TF-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing). 

We can help you 

  • Identifying your mood cycles
  • Finding natural ways to create balance in your moods
  • Reduce severity and frequency of depressed and manic moods
  • Rebuild self-confidence to help you achieve your life goals

Marsden Clinical Psychology Stress & Trauma Clinic can help adults to manage Bipolar Disorder and build and foster hope for the future and an improved sense of self worth.  

Book an appointment today

What to expect

Making your first appointment

Once you’ve decided to try therapy, call our kind and caring admin team on (02) 9139 0126 to discuss what you are having difficulty with and book your first appointment.

Attending the initial consultation

In the initial consultation, your therapist is looking to build a picture of how you’ve come to where you are today and what you are looking to get out of therapy. Your therapist will do their best to address any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

Creating a treatment plan together

Over the first three sessions, your therapist will work collaboratively with you to establish goals for therapy. They are designed to be specific, realistic, and tailored to your needs.

Undergoing therapy

As your therapy goes on, you will continue the process of building a trusting relationship with your therapist. You will work with them to find alternative ways of thinking and behaving, build resilience and learn new skills that will help to see yourself and the world differently, and promote helpful actions in life.

Book an appointment today

Ready to see a psychologist?

There can be lots of questions that come up when you’re trying to make a decision about whether to see a psychologist. If you have a question that we haven’t answered in our FAQ, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on (02) 9139 0126  or email info@marsdenpsychology.com.au . Our friendly support team will get back to you within one business day.