Mood disorders can take over every aspect of a person’s life. Unfortunately, many people live with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed mood disorders. Bipolar disorder is one mood disorder that can be isolating, confusing, and overwhelming for young adults. Some may not understand what’s happening to their mental health. Others may not seek treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways to help teens struggling with bipolar disorder.
If a teenager is you care about is struggling, CBT can help. At Imagine Seattle, our experienced team provides teens with CBT techniques for bipolar disorder to help them heal. Contact us today to learn more about our cognitive-behavioral therapy program for adolescents ages twelve to seventeen online or at 888.346.0473. Our Imagine Seattle team is standing by to answer any questions you might have about cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for bipolar disorder.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by manic and depressive states. As the name suggests, a person’s mood may go from two polarizing states, which are mania and depression. In a manic state, a person experiences high energy, euphoria, intense focus, increased self-esteem, and often a certain level of fearlessness or invincibility. In a depressed state, a person experiences a very low mood. They may experience sadness, hopelessness, a lack of interest in favorite activities, as well as constant fatigue.
There are different levels of bipolar disorder depending on how frequently someone experiences manic and depressive episodes. A qualified therapist can help teens and their loved ones understand and treat bipolar disorder.
What Are CBT Techniques for Bipolar Disorder?
When it’s used to help clients change thought patterns and understand emotions, CBT also works to change harmful behaviors. This can help young adults understand harmful belief systems and behaviors that worsen bipolar disorder. CBT techniques for bipolar disorder can include individual, family, or group therapy, to improve communication and help people understand mood disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Activities for Bipolar Disorder
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens become more away of their thought patterns, mood, and the present moment. Mood disorders like bipolar disorder often focus on repetitive thoughts from the past or worries about the future.
CBT activities help stop harmful thought patterns and behaviors, including:
- Mood journaling – Daily tracking of mood can help teens spot patterns in their moods and how they correlate to diet, exercise, stress, and daily life.
- Stabilizing routine – CBT can help teens create a stable routine, which can help them manage their moods and emotions with less anxiety.
- Accepting diagnosis – Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help teens understand and accept their diagnosis without stigma or judgment.
- Problem-solving practice – Whether the program is hypothetical or real, problem-solving can help those with bipolar disorder build the neural pathways to safe and effective problem-solving.
- Cognitive restructuring – By changing thought patterns and belief systems, teens develop more balanced thinking.
Many CBT tools for bipolar disorder help teens balance their mental health by finding a middle ground in daily life. The extremes of bipolar disorder can lead many teens to believe solvable problems are catastrophic or that a school assignment is “all or nothing.” With practice, CBT can help bring balance and stability, which in turn reduces bipolar episodes.
CBT for Bipolar Disorder at Imagine Seattle
If your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder or showing signs of undiagnosed mood disorders, Imagine Seattle can help. Our trauma-informed outpatient programs give young adults ages twelve to seventeen the tools they need to thrive. Whether your teen needs medication management or education advocacy, our clinic can help. With group, individual, and family therapy programs, including CBT for bipolar disorder, Imagine Seattle can help your family thrive.
Explore CBT and Bipolar Disorder at Imagine Seattle
Give your teen the support they need. Reach out to Imagine Seattle today by calling 888.346.0473 or filling out our online contact form for more information about CBT techniques for bipolar disorder.