Bipolar Disorder Explained: Symptoms, Treatment, and Help from Home

Understand the signs of bipolar disorder and how online mental health care can support your diagnosis, medication, and long-term stability.

🌗 What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes—from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression). These shifts can affect energy, sleep, judgment, and your ability to carry out daily responsibilities.

During these episodes, it can be difficult to work, maintain relationships, or function at school or at home. The good news is: bipolar disorder is treatable, and help is available from home through virtual mental health care.

📊 Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I Disorder – Includes at least one manic episode, often with depressive or hypomanic episodes.
• Bipolar II Disorder – Includes hypomanic episodes (less intense than mania) and major depressive episodes.
• Cyclothymic Disorder – A milder, more chronic form of mood swings that don’t meet the criteria for full manic or depressive episodes.

🔍 What Do Bipolar Symptoms Look Like?

Manic or Hypomanic Episode:

• Feeling euphoric, energetic, or overly confident
• Sleeping very little without feeling tired
• Talking fast or jumping between topics
• Risky behaviors (e.g., overspending, impulsive decisions)
• Feeling irritable or agitated

Depressive Episode:

• Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue
• Loss of interest in hobbies or daily life
• Sleep problems (too much or too little)
• Trouble concentrating or remembering
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but if these mood swings are affecting your life, it’s important to get evaluated.

🩺 Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder doesn’t go away on its own, but it can be successfully managed with proper treatment and support.

🧠 Medication

Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants are prescribed to help manage symptoms. Your provider will help find the right medication and adjust as needed.

💬 Talk Therapy

Therapy helps identify triggers, manage stress, and stick to treatment plans. It also improves self-awareness and communication.

🗓️ Ongoing Care

Long-term treatment is essential—even during “normal” periods between episodes. Continuous care can reduce the severity and frequency of mood swing over time.

🌿 Lifestyle Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule
• Eat a nutritious diet and stay active
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
• Use a mood journal to track patterns
• Reduce stress through mindfulness or yoga
• Stay connected to supportive family and friends

💻 How Telehealth Can Help

At National Mental Health Physician Assistant Corporation (NMHPAC), we specialize in virtual mental health services for bipolar disorder, led by Yeon Kim, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, a licensed psychiatric provider with experience in telepsychiatry. Our personalized care includes:

• 🧑‍⚕️ Initial evaluations via secure video
• 💊 Medication management and regular monitoring
• 🤝 Ongoing check-ins for long-term support and stability

With Yeon Kim, PA-C, and our dedicated team, you’ll receive compassionate, consistent care without the stress of in-office visits.

📞 Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know is in crisis:

• Call or text 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
• Visit 988lifeline.org or go to your nearest emergency room

• You can also speak with your doctor or mental health provider immediately. Schedule an appointment or call (628)-215-1120 today.

Reference

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). What is Bipolar Disorder? Updated April 24, 2023. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/bipolar