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How to Cope with Bipolar Disorder

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman reading book on how to cope with bipolar disorder

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are many ways for those with bipolar disorder to continue living a productive, satisfying life personally, professionally, and socially. Mental health professionals can help you develop a bipolar disorder treatment plan based on your needs, including medication, behavioral therapies, education, and family support. In this article, we explore what bipolar disorder is, diagnostic criteria, and how to cope with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder Explained Statistics today show that 5.7 million Americans over 18 have bipolar disorder, the sixth leading cause of disability. Nearly 2.6% of the population must learn to cope with bipolar disorder. The first step in coping is to understand the illness completely. Someone with bipolar disorder experiences changes in their mood, oscillating between depression, normal mood, and mania. Each person with bipolar disorder may experience different highs and lows for different time …

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The Link Between Depression and Insomnia

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia

There is a clear link between depression and insomnia. The Sleep Foundation reports that 80% of people with depression experience insomnia. At the same time, 40% of those with insomnia report having depressive symptoms. The connection between sleep and mental health is undeniable. For example, sleep disturbances are a symptom of depression, or sleep deprivation can trigger the onset of depression.  Other reports on mental health and sleep claim that people with depression who improve their sleep quality also improve their mental health. Information like this makes you question which comes first, depression or insomnia. The answer varies depending on individual risk factors. To learn more about the link between your depression and insomnia, learn as much as possible about each separately. What is Depression? The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as a mood disorder that makes people have persistent sad feelings. Sadness sticks around for two weeks or longer …

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Celebrating Pride Month 2023

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pride month

By Ashley Barnes What is Pride Month? LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which transpired in New York at the end of June 1969. Resultantly, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the positive impact LGBTQ+ people have had on culture and society as well as accomplishments they have achieved. Further, Pride Month commemorates the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and justice for the greater community as well as sub communities within the LGBTQ+ sphere.  Great ways to celebrate pride month include attending pride events, having open conversations, and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and art. Messages from our team. The Mental Health Center supports and appreciates the LGBTQ+ community, not only in the month of June but every day. Our company strives to make the patient experience inclusive and sensitive to patient needs, honoring all identities. Speaking more on the …

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10 Signs of High-functioning Anxiety

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signs of high-functioning anxiety

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Signs of high-functioning anxiety may include constant overthinking, a tendency to worry excessively, perfectionism, a need for reassurance, difficulty in saying no, over-commitment, restless sleep, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Despite these, individuals often maintain successful, seemingly ‘normal’ lives, masking their internal struggles. The 2023 Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey found that 32% of American adults have anxiety symptoms, with nearly 50% being between 18 and 24. The second highest percentage, 38%, is with adults between 25 and 49 and 29% of those between 50 and 64.  According to statistics, the age group between 25 and 54 is the prime working age, with 76% working full and part-time jobs. Five percent are unemployed but searching for a job.  These statistics suggest that many people with anxiety symptoms work full and part-time jobs. They fall into a “high functioning” group, meaning they have …

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Does Alcohol Make Depression Worse?

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pride month

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Yes, alcohol can exacerbate depression. While it may initially provide temporary relief or euphoria, over time it can aggravate depressive symptoms, increase anxiety, and disrupt sleep. Furthermore, it can also interact negatively with medications used to treat depression, reducing their effectiveness. Major depressive disorders are the most common co-occurring conditions with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Research shows that people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are three times more likely to have depression. Also, women are more likely to develop co-occurring AUD and depression.  Although there is a link between the two, it is not always clear whether alcohol makes depression worse. To determine the answer, it’s important to understand depression and alcohol separately and examine how one affects the other. What is Depression? To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience symptoms, like the ones below, for at least two weeks and …

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