Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder: What Families Need to Know
Open Arms Clinical Team, LCSW, LCPC, PMHNPJuly 5, 20261 min read
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition characterized by shifts between depression and hypomania or mania. With the right care, most people live full, stable lives.
What actually helps
- Medication (mood stabilizers, often lithium)
- Individual therapy focused on early warning signs
- Sleep protection (sleep loss can trigger episodes)
- Family psychoeducation
- PRP for skill building and daily structure
For families
Learn to spot early warning signs together. Agree, when your loved one is well, on how to respond during an episode. Take care of yourself; you cannot pour from an empty cup.