Manassas VA Bipolar Disorder Therapy

Therapists Who Treat Bipolar Depression in Manassas, VA—Prince William Counseling

Heather had a rough month after her boyfriend broke up with her. He said she was being reckless and maybe she was. But the past few weeks have been different. Heather has barely eaten or left the house. She cries most of the day. In fact, she had to quit her job at the boutique where she worked. Just six weeks ago, Heather felt the exact opposite as she feels now. She was unstoppable. Heather loved her full-time job at the boutique, and she had the top sales numbers. In many ways, she was unstoppable. Her energy was contagious. Heather had so much energy, she started partying most night. A few times a week, she would not even sleep.

Heather’s friends and family members are worried. The drastic shift in her mood and behavior does not seem healthy, and they think something more serious is happening. They are concerned that Heather may have Bipolar Depression.

The symptoms of Bipolar can confound and scare those suffering from it as well as their friends and family. It is a serious mental illness, and it affects almost 6 million people in the United States. At the same time, mental health professionals are learning more and more about how to effectively treat Bipolar Depression. Many people are living life on their terms instead being at the mercy of their diagnosis.

Are you looking for Prince William Counseling for bipolar disorder? Thriveworks Manassas understands how disruptive Bipolar Depression can be in an individual’s life, and we understand what it takes to find the social, psychological, physical, and emotional support that our clients need.

Symptoms for Bipolar Depression

At times, people were call Bipolar Depression, “manic depression.” Although Bipolar is the clinic term, manic depression is helpful because it names the two extremes the illness causes people to cycle between: depression and mania. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives criteria for recognizing both cycles, and both must be present for a diagnosis of Bipolar Depression.

The DSM-5 describes the depression cycle as a persistent weepy, empty, or sad mood that is accompanied by a disinterest in and unconcern for daily life. This mood must persist for at least two weeks and be accompanied by a minimum of three of the following signs:

  1. A substantial shift in eating habits—either a decrease or increase in weight or appetite.
  2. Rapid or slowed psychomotor activity (e.g., nervously tapping one’s fingers or, if slowed, slurred speech).
  3. Disrupted rest patterns—sleeping all the time or experiencing insomnia.
  4. Feeling severely negative emotions like worthlessness, shame, and guilt.
  5. Unfocused concentration and indecisiveness.
  6. Plaguing thoughts of death and/or suicide idealization.
  7. Diminished energy and stamina.

The depression symptoms are but one cycle of Bipolar Depression. People who fight Bipolar also have to fight the other cycle: mania. The stereotype of mania is raving euphoria. While some people may experience that, others experience mania as frenetic irritation. The DSM-5 outlines in detail what a manic episode may entail:

  1. A frenetic, heightened mood that is either jubilant or irritable. The mood must last at least one week to be considered mania.
  2. When the mood is irritability, four of the following symptoms must be displayed. When the mood is jubilant, then three must be displayed:
    • Self-aggrandizement.
    • High energy despite little sleep.
    • Increased loquaciousness.
    • Racing emotions and thoughts that will not rest.
    • Unfocused attention.
    • Obsessively planning for a particular goal.
    • Taking unnecessary risks and engaging in potentially dangerous behavior.
  3. To be considered mania, these signs must have one of three results:
    • Severely disrupting a person’s everyday functioning.
    • Requiring hospitalization to treat or prevent harm.
    • Induce an episode of psychosis.
  4. The symptoms cannot be attributable to the effects of drug use or a medication.

Bipolar Depression is not a singular diagnosis, but there are subcategories that can give people more information about what they are experiencing. Having the right diagnosis is important because it may lead to the right treatment plan. Often, the first step toward healing is working closely with a mental health professional who is licensed and able to make a proper diagnosis as well as form a tailored treatment plan.

Managing Bipolar Depression

Working with a therapist will be key. It is vital to follow the treatment plan that your therapist outlines. Many people have also found the following helpful as they manage their Bipolar:

  • Get moving: You do not have to follow a professional athlete’s training schedule for physical movement to be helpful. Find something that you enjoy: cycling, yoga, walking, basketball, and more. Living an active lifestyle will, particularly during a depression cycle.
  • Learn about your particular diagnosis: The information in this article is a starting point, but once you have a diagnosis, learn about what you might experience as you fight your version of Bipolar. Your therapist can probably point you toward trusted resources.
  • Cultivate a support system: Everyone needs help, and there are support groups available. Consider joining a Bipolar support group, either online or in-person where you can empathize with others who are fighting a similar battle.

Scheduling an Appointment for Bipolar Depression at Thriveworks Manassas in Prince William

If you are looking for a trusted and experienced Prince William Counselor to help you treat your Bipolar, then Thriveworks Manassas is ready to help. We have appointments available for Bipolar Depression. When you contact our office, know that we accept most forms of insurance. Many new clients also have their first appointment within 24 hours of contacting us.

Let’s work together to find a treatment plan that works for you. Call Thriveworks Manassas today.

Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

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Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 17 5 1 17 reviews. See all reviews
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Depression

★★★★★
I believe my depression is coming from the lack of education, I have and the loss of so many jobs. It's finding but hard to keep a job. I'm embarrassed it has been hindering me for many years now I can't stand it I've been trying to get help for a while now and don't know where to go I am on suppression medication. I see a doctor every two weeks I have talked to him about this and until u was blacking the blue in the face. I think he sees it now. Thank good
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Great first experience

★★★★★
So far I’m having a great first experience with Therapy.
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Lisa

★★★★★
I started with Thriveworks and Lisa 3-4 months ago and I was nervous about telling a "stranger" my deepest issues and things I'm not always comfortable admitting myself. I have to say she has been amazing through an really tough relationship break and other things I was or am going through in life. She makes you feel comfortable and truly listens, providing support and options for situations which allow me to be able to look at situations differently. She has made an incredible improvement on my life and I always look forward to meeting with her. It has become a breath of fresh air for me. She is amazing and I consider her a friend. You can't go wrong.
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So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor

★★★★★
So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor
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My counselor is great

★★★★★
My counselor is great
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Lisa Cornelius- My wonderful experience with her.

★★★★★
I worked with Lisa Cornelius for more than 6 months and she really is amazing. She helped me through my struggles by giving me strategies that could help me involve my well being. She is honest and she will connect with your situation by putting herself in your shoes. I've never connected with a therapist like I have with her. She really knows what she is doing. I highly recommend her!
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Counseling appreciation

★★★★★
A note of thanks to my counselor Lisa Cornelius. I have seen her for 2 years now and through our sessions an finding that I am a good person who has needs and a future that I never knew at 72 I coukd look forward to. Our lives go full circle sometimes and after bad things happen we start to think we have no right to try to be anyone but who others think we should be....not true! Hopefully Lisa and I can continue this journey and I can learn to relax in the real me and be content and happy with myself...thank you Lisa ....
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Ms. Lisa

★★★★★
Ms. Lisa is a very amazing counselor. She helps you understand and can relate to you, which makes you feel better. Her way of counseling is different from past counselor. It was more dull with my past counselor, but with Ms. Lisa it is different. It is better to me. I definitely recommend Ms. Lisa because everytime I leave I feel lighter and a little bit better. 😊
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Shannon Oesch

★★★★★
Shannon Oesch is an excellent therapist and friend. I met Shannon years ago in Hawaii where I worked at a domestic violence shelter. Shannon came and facilitated a weekly support group and made a huge impact on many lives. Shannon is easy to talk to and a great listener!
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Shannon Oesch LCSW

★★★★★
Shannon was very supportive as a Clinical Supervisor and extremely knowledgeable and experienced in her field. She has helped me develop my clinical skills and competencies throughout my Social Work career.
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It was an excellent experience.

★★★★★
It was an excellent experience. I have been suffering from high anxiety and was skeptical about talking with someone who didn’t know me. After my first session I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait for my next appointments so that I can learn how to take my life back.
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So far, so good!

★★★★★
So far, so good!
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Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary

★★★★☆
Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary. It’s difficult to tell if she’s the one for me. Went as inspected .
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Thriveworks is amazing.

★★★★★
Thriveworks is amazing. It is such a relief to feel you are connecting with someone who truly understands the root of your problems and gives you hope that you can work through them. I am very thankful for this place.
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Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff.

★★★★★
Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff. My daughter and I have been impressed with every aspect of our experience with Thriveworks. High five!
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Good sessions

★★★★☆
Good sessions
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Yes!

★★★★★
I've taken a tour of this counseling practice, and met some of the staff. This practice is way above par, for sure.
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 10755 Ambassador Dr STE 201,
    Manassas, VA 20109

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

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