You may be dealing with
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to think clearly. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. People living with bipolar disorder often experience extreme lows (depression) and extreme highs (mania), and sometimes feel paranoid, believe things that aren’t true or hear voices. These lows and highs usually occur in cycles, and may last weeks or even months.
- Severe mood changes; feeling “too happy” or very depressed for weeks
- Having a lot of energy or very little energy
- Talking very fast, being unable to get a complete thought out
- Getting little or no sleep for many days in a row without feeling tired
- Engaging in reckless behaviors such as spending sprees, drug use or impulsive sex
- Believing one has increased abilities (delusional)
- Impulsive behavior and poor judgment is putting job, home-life or person at risk
- Staying awake for 4 or more days in a row
- Periods of intense depression and isolation
Causes and Risk Factors
Mental illness is not your fault. There is no single cause for mental health disorders; instead, they can be caused by a mixture of biological, psychological and environmental factors. People who have a family history of mental health disorders may be more prone to developing one at some point.
Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented or cured. It is a lifelong condition that begins either in the late teens and early 20s or in middle age. The condition affects men and women equally, with about 2.6% of the U.S. population diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If left untreated, bipolar disorder usually worsens. However, recognizing early warning signs can allow people to seek treatment and learn to control symptoms through therapy and lifestyle choices.
Scientists have not yet discovered a single cause of bipolar disorder, but believe several factors may contribute including brain structure and functioning, genetics, family history and stress.
How We Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health condition like Bipolar Disorder, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The Center for Health Care Services can help. Our Adult Behavioral Health Division offers the following comprehensive services.
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). If harm to self or others is imminent, call 9-1-1.
The CHCS team helps people find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life.
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medical follow-ups and management
- Wellness counseling, education and therapy
- Integrated and primary care
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- Case management
- Crisis services
- And other services to support each person’s goals for recovery
Programs
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Adults
Comprehensive mental health services to support each person’s goals for recovery, including: psychiatric evaluation and treatment, medication management, wellness counseling and education, individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, psychosocial rehabilitation, and case management offered at a variety of locations.
How to Enroll in Adult Behavioral Health Services
For more information, or to enroll in mental health services, please call: 210-261-2427 (CHCS)
