Do you have cyclothymia and want help learning to control your symptoms and improve your mental health? This type of bipolar disorder causes troubling mood swings that the individual who has it cannot control. They may feel the right kind of care for them does not exist. That’s where our first-class treatment facility comes into play.
Renewal Oasis created highly effective treatment plans to help people who have cyclothymia minimize their symptoms and stop feeling held hostage by their emotions. We offer outpatient and residential levels of care to meet each person’s unique needs and schedule. We offer a variety of therapy modalities proven to help people with bipolar disorder. Our staff also offers access to prescription medications that help reduce their mood swings and help them feel more in control.
What is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is one of the types of bipolar disorder, which is a mental health disorder that impacts millions of lives. It is classified as a mood disorder. Approximately 1 in 40 adult Americans have bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia impacts the lives of 0.4%-1% of the general population. However, when including those who seek treatment for this challenging mental illness, the rates may go as high as 3%-5%.
Cyclothymia is not as severe as other types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I and II. The symptoms are not as extreme, in that both the depressive and hypomanic periods are milder and often don’t last as long as other types of bipolar disorder. When not experiencing one of the mood swings, the individual often generally feels good. In order to receive an official diagnosis of cyclothymia by a professional, the symptoms must occur repeatedly over a two-year period. Without treatment, the individual becomes at risk for developing Bipolar I or II.
The Symptoms of Cyclothymia
Someone who has cyclothymia will exhibit two types of symptoms. It’s important for them and their family and friends to recognize them so a name can be put to the disorder plaguing the individual.
Depressive symptoms include the following:
- Periods of depression the person cannot control
- Lethargy
- Sleeping excessively
- Suicidal feelings
- Crying
- Feeling hopeless
- Isolating from others
- No longer interested in hobbies and pastimes
Hypomanic symptoms include the following:
- Excessive feelings of happiness and joy
- Feeling euphoric
- A sense of invulnerability
- Tendency to engage in risky behaviors
- Trouble concentrating
- Going without enough sleep
- Talkative but not always able to focus on a conversation
- Increased sex drive
Cyclothymia Treatment Options
Anyone who has or suspects they have cyclothymia should seek an assessment from a mental health professional who can provide a thorough assessment. Once a diagnosis is made, a plan can be put in place for treatment. Therapy is the go-to move when it comes to treating bipolar disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people come to terms with how their emotions and thoughts can influence their behaviors. From there, they can work on adjusting how they think, feel, and act, which will influence a reduction in their symptoms of cyclothymia. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) also helps by teaching skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Family therapy can help someone become comfortable discussing their mental health with loved ones. A therapist will lead the family in understanding how cyclothymia works and teach them more effective ways to communicate and support their family member.
Prescription medications can make a real difference in the severity and length of a person’s bipolar disorder symptoms. A physician will recommend which medication to try and oversee its usage.
Resources for Those With Cyclothymia
Having resources outside of therapy can help people enjoy a well-rounded approach to their treatment. Recommended resources can come from a therapist, and you can also choose from the following resources.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Offers local meetings, online support groups, and educational materials.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Provides statistics, information, and research information on mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder.
Mental Health America: Promotes mental health and well-being by offering information about mental illnesses.
International Bipolar Foundation: Offers information, webinars, blogs, and guides.
Books for Cyclothymia
Books about coping with cyclothymia can help a person work on their symptoms while attending therapy or after it concludes. Some books that many find helpful include:
The Cyclothymia Workbook: Learn How to Manage Your Mood Swings and Lead a Balanced Life
The Bipolar Disorder Workbook: Powerful Tools and Practical Resources for Bipolar II and Cyclothymia
Contact Renewal Oasis About Our Cyclothymia Treatment Today
Have you lived with bipolar disorder for a long time but feel like it’s not really living your best life? Renewal Oasis offers a program for people who have different kinds of bipolar disorder, including cyclothymia. Our licensed and experienced staff drills down on the symptoms that cause difficulties in your life. This allows us to match you with the right kinds of therapy to help you get your emotions on a more even keel. Our treatment program can be completed on an outpatient or residential basis. It also includes options for prescription medications that ease many symptoms of cyclothymia.
Contact us today, and let’s talk about how bipolar disorder impacts your life and what we can do to correct that. We can provide a free insurance verification and discuss which level of care matches your specific needs.
Published: 10/23/2024
