Knoxville Bipolar Disorder Therapy

Bipolar Depression—Therapy and Counseling in Knoxville, TN

Alex has not been feeling himself for about a year now. His family and friends are worried too. Alex started a new job about this time last year, and he took it by storm. He is the online sales manager for a pawn shop, and Alex’s first six months were on fire. He tripled his predecessor’s sales numbers. Alex worked long days with an energy that never seemed to end. He would even go out after work, partying and celebrating his success. Alex also shopped—buying anything and everything he wanted. But things changed. These days, it is as if Alex is a completely different person. His contagious energy is now a dry well. His sales numbers have dried up as well. Many days, he cannot accomplish even small task at work, if he even gets out of bed at all.

Alex’s friends are concerned. This dramatic change does not feel healthy, and they are wondering if something bigger may be happening to Alex. They are wondering if he may have Bipolar Depression.

“One of things so bad about depression and bipolar disorder
is that if you don’t have prior awareness, you don’t have any idea what hit you.”
—Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison

If you are experiencing the dramatic shift from mania to depression and back again, then you may be like Alex and one of the other six million people in the United States who have a form of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar is a difficult diagnosis to hear, but many people are able to live happy, productive lives. They are managing their Bipolar because they are working with a mental health professional to receive a diagnosis, education, and a treatment plan.

Thriveworks Knoxville understands the strain and challenges Bipolar Disorder adds to an individual’s life, but we also understand how to overcome these. Our staff has worked with many clients who want to live their lives without Bipolar dictating the terms.

Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms of Depression and Mania

The two (bi) poles of bipolar are called mania and depression. In fact, many people refer to Bipolar Disorder as manic depression. This mental illness cycles people between mania and depression in an oft-confusing and erratic way. It is a serious diagnosis, and anyone who is affected by Bipolar Disorder deserves patience, care, and empathy for what they are fighting. Often, an important part of that care is coming to a detailed understanding of what Bipolar is and how it works. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has outlined both cycles of Bipolar Disorder in detail.

When individuals cycle through the depression phase, they will experience feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or weepiness that continues for the majority of the day, for a period of two weeks. Their interest in regular activities and daily life will wane, and they will also experience at least three of these symptoms:

  • Powerful feelings of guilt, shame, and/or worthlessness.
  • Appetite or weight changes—either a decrease or increase.
  • Weakened endurance and energy.
  • Rapid or slow psychomotor activity—e.g., slowed speaking or nervous tapping.
  • Difficulty making decisions and focusing.
  • Disruptions in sleep—insomnia or hypersomnia.
  • Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.

Bipolar Disorder has two fronts where the illness strikes. As if depression were not enough upon an individual, people who are diagnosed with any form of Bipolar will also experience episodes of mania. The stereotype of this phase is energy and happiness all the time. This cliché greatly undermines the difficulty that people who experience mania face. Further, mania can also be frenetic irritability instead of happiness. The DSM-5 details mania further:

  1. A frenetically high state of mind that may be either jubilant or irritated. The mood will persist for at least seven days.
  2. If the state of mind is happy, then three of the following signs must be present. If the state of mind is irritable, then four signs must be presented:
    • Accelerated thinking that will not settle.
    • A significant reduction in one’s need for sleep or rest.
    • Unfocused attention.
    • Obsessive and furious planning toward a goal.
    • Talkativeness, especially as compared to an individual’s normal speech patterns.
    • Self-aggrandizement and inflated self-esteem.
    • Risky or harmful behavior.
  3. Drug use or medication cannot induce these symptoms.
  4. Mania results in at least one of the following:
    • Disturbing an individual’s daily life.
    • Hospitalization.
    • Hallucinations or psychosis.

There are a variety of subcategories that may come with any Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. For example, different versions of the illness may have more severe forms of depression or mania. Working with a therapist who is experience with Bipolar in its many different forms is often the key to finding the right diagnosis and then the right treatment.

Treating Bipolar Disorder with Thriveworks Knoxville

As you read through the symptoms of mania and depression, did any descriptions resonate with your experience? If you or someone you love has Bipolar Disorder, know that Thriveworks Knoxville has skilled and experienced therapists who have helped many patients find the diagnosis and treatment they need.

When you work with our office, know that weekend and evening appointments are available. We accept most forms of insurance, and many new clients have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call to us.

Our hope is that every Thriveworks client receives the help they need, when they need it.

Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 19 5 1 19 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Justin Hall was great

★★★★★
I saw Justin for assistance with OCD. He showed me how to look at things in a way that did not allow my OCD to take over. I will would highly recommend him.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Anxiety

★★★★★
I have been taking my 7 year old grandson to see Justin. He had horrible anxiety. It saddened us to see how bad it was. He had developed tics. Justin was absolutely wonderful with him. He has overcome most of his fears and tics have went away. I would highly recommend Justin.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Cannot Recommend Enough

★★★★★
Going to Thriveworks for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding counseling experience I’ve had. Seeing Lindsey has had the single biggest impact on my emotional and mental health, especially in healing from past childhood abuse and trauma, and ongoing PTSD. Out of multiple counselors in two states, Lindsey Chandler is by far the one with whom I’ve felt the most accepted, supported, and encouraged by. I am grateful for the Thriveworks space, as it is not at all clinical nor intimidating, but entirely warn and welcoming. It is nearly a scent-free environment, which is vital for the comfort of any highly sensitive persons. I choose to drive an hour from home each visit specifically to stay loyal to a place where I finally feel safe and valued—where in the past commuting five minutes from home to work with a therapist felt like a chore and an ordeal—and I will continue to do so as I work further toward a healthier me.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Dr Neal is amazing!!

★★★★★
Dr Neal has helped me more in the last 2 months than any other therapist in the last 5 years. Therapy has become a joy instead of a chore. :)
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Justin Hall

★★★★★
Justin Hall is an excellent therapist. Very easy to talk to and genuinely concerned with the patient.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Amanda Gilliam

★★★★★
Amanda Gilliam has been such a blessing in helping my daughter deal with her anxiety issues. My daughter is much stronger and confident now thanks to Amanda's expertise,dedication, and just willing to talk about whatever my daughter wants to talk about! Great person to call if you in know someone dealing with anxiety!
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Mrs. Amanda

★★★★★
My son saw “Mrs. Amanda” as he affectionately called her shortly after my marriage ended in a high conflict divorce. My son was 6 years old at the time, so it was difficult for him to process his feelings without knowing how to communicate with us. Amanda Gilliam was always there to listen and provide outlets for him to speak openly about his feelings in a way that could be understood. She is top knotch in my book and I would highly recommend her as a professional!
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Justin Hall

★★★★★
I was in sessions with Justin for about a year and highly recommend him. He has a deep grasp of psychology that he is constantly refreshing and renewing, and he was able to help me a lot in understanding what was driving the emotions and feelings of myself and close family members. He was a great help.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Karen Trotter

★★★★★
Karen has been so AWESOME in assisting with my daughter’s healing process. It’s been a blessing having so many diverse avenues for myself & my daughter to communicate with Karen & her immediate responses 😘. I tried to rate Karen as 5 + but it wouldn’t let me 😁
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Not the place for me

★☆☆☆☆
I have attended one session alone and a second session with my then girlfriend at her urging me to seek couples therapy, in this session I was basically felt like all the relationship issues were my fault and as I was pressured more and more about my issues I walked out of the session to collect my thoughts as I was being bombarded by both my girlfriend and my therapist. Apparently after I stepped out the therapist told my girlfriend that I was worse than an addict and she was sorry but didn’t feel I was worth attending counseling with, this resulted in the end of that relationship before We even left the office. I have other issues and have realized that I am suffering from depression due to other issues and this has added to my depression. At this point I have no intention of returning to see this counselor or any other counselor there as they have added to my problems leaving me feeling like I am not good enough. Honestly if this is how they make their clients feel then as far as I’m concerned this office shouldn’t even exist. I need to find out how I can be refunded at Least a portion of the money I’ve “wasted” on this experience and hope I can find someone else who is willing to help me work through my issues and not feel persecuted.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Makes Getting Better Easy

★★★★★
I can't thank Amanda Brooks enough. She's an amazing person and is an amazing place. After calling about 15 therapists and getting immediately turned away, returned my call within the hour and Amanda was hand-picked for me and my situation. I got an appointmentheduled that day. There's ALWAYS time for me andheduling/canceling is never a hassle. There's a therapist on call 24/7 and Amanda always makes time for me when I need it. The office is a lovely, calming place and I always feel comfortable and welcome. It makes getting better easy.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Amanda genuinely cares

★★★★★
Amanda helped/helps me is so so many ways. No matter what I come into the office with she helps me problem solve and always genuinely cares about what I have to say or about how I feel. I feel like I can come to her with anything and there will be no judgement. She always welcomes me with a smile and helps me dig deep in every session and I couldn't ask for a better support.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Perfect Therapist for My Child

★★★★★
Amanda Brooks has been a wonderful and supportive therapist for my child who was suffering from depression and anxiety. My child is very picky about who she trusts and Amanda has been the perfect therapist; she immediately put my child at ease and has been there for emotional support whenever we needed her help.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Definitely Recommend

★★★★★
I have been very pleased with my experience at Thriveworks. Amanda has helped my children and I learn to deal with some major life issues. She has provided us with a listening ear and helpfulsolutions. She has helped us all develop skills to deal with life's ups and downs in a productive, positive way. I highly recommend her!
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Shocked

★☆☆☆☆
Justin was very rude to us when he was the one who didn't listen and made aheduling error. He was inappropriate to me in front of my son. Wouldn't recommend.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Peace Keeper

★★★★★
Amanda Brooks has been such an excellent help to me throughout the past 2 1/2 years I've had her as my therapist. Ive been able to speak to her like I haven't even my closest friends. She's helped me to work through & over come many different obstacles, as well as past trauma in my lifetime & continues to help me find peace with my past, present & future. She's been my peace keeper through it all.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Life Changing

★★★★★
Justin Hall has changed my life and the way that I approach it. He has a way of helping one redirect behaviors and ideas in order to improve overall quality of life. I would recommend him to anyone who wants positive change in thinking.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Helped me out in a bad situation.

★★★★★
My work environment had become extremely difficult over the last 5 years. Justin helped me deal with a very dysfunctional system. Nothing has changes as far as circumstance, but my approach and thinking has changed. Things are much better. Very practical. Would recommend Justin to anyone looking for help.
Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville

Excellent

★★★★★
My experience with Dr. Williams has been more than helpful. I initially came to her for couples counseling, but ended up seeing her one on one and finding my sanity again. My experience has been more than helpful. I highly recommend her.
See fewer reviews

Thriveworks Counseling

Videos

  • 10434 Jackson Oaks Way
    Knoxville, TN 37922

  • Mon-Fri:7:30AM-9PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

It’s not easy, but we’re extremely selective about the counselors, psychologists, and coaches that join our practice. Experience a provider with skill and passion for helping clients make meaningful advances in their lives, relationships, careers, and happiness.


Get Started Today!

Pin It on Pinterest