pic

Bipolar Disorder

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Addiction Medicine and Mental Health located in Northfield, MN

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Northfield, MN


If you experience extreme highs and lows that affect your quality of life, help is available. At Free Range Mental Health in Northfield, Minnesota, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Dan Watts, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has extensive knowledge in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. Call the practice today or book an appointment online for a professional evaluation.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes symptoms that include feeling very low or depressed and then swinging to feelings of extreme emotional highs, also known as mania. 

These mood swings can take a toll on your sleep, energy, decision-making, and behavior. The good news is you can seek help at Free Range Mental Health to help manage this condition.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Anyone can develop bipolar disorder, but the following factors increase your chances of experiencing it:

  • Traumatic life events
  • High-stress situations or events
  • Physical changes in your brain
  • Substance misuse
  • Genetics
  • Family history of bipolar disorder

You can also have other mental health conditions like anxiety or ADHD that can occur with bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder have two main categories of symptoms:

Manic 

Manic symptoms include:

  • Elation
  • Overly talkative
  • Hyperactivity
  • Boundless energy
  • Racing thoughts
  • Exaggerated self-confidence
  • Distracted easily
  • Little need for sleep
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Psychosis

Depressive

Depressive symptoms include:

  • Feeling low, sad, or down
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of energy
  • Feeling hopelessness
  • Feeling worthlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty with memory
  • Restlessness
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Bipolar disorder isn’t determined by one set of symptoms. It can also involve a mixture of these symptoms listed.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Treatments offered at Free Range Mental Health are evidence-based and may include:

Medication

Your provider carefully prescribes medications that can stabilize your mood and help you thrive in life. They also provide medication management to monitor your progress and help you experience successful results.

Therapy

Your treatment can involve one-on-one counseling to help you develop the skills to help manage your bipolar disorder. This is often combined with medication.

Lifestyle changes

Making changes to your daily routine can offer promising results. For example, your provider might offer strategies for eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. In addition, he can help you avoid using alcohol, recreational drugs, and opioids.

If you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, treatment can help you get the relief you need. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online. Telehealth is also an option.