Preferred Columbus, OH, Treatment Center for Bipolar Disorder, Treating Symptoms & Side Effects

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder and serious mental illness that is characterized by abrupt shifts in mood. These shifts include episodes of low mood and catatonia and heightened states of euphoria and mania. There are several different forms of this condition, and the length and intensity of a mood episode varies for each individual. However, due to the significant damages caused by untreated bipolar disorder, affected people will face many challenges. Physical health and well-being, emotional stability, and overall functioning will all be negatively impacted if you or a loved one does not seek professional help. At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we are pleased to offer effective, compassionate bipolar disorder care to help you get your life back on track. With our support, you can stabilize your mood and start the path toward lifelong recovery.

What Are the Clinical Criteria for a Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?

There are several different types of bipolar disorder. Depending upon the frequency and duration of your manic and depressive episodes, you might meet the criteria for one type of bipolar disorder more than another. The clinical term for this shift in mood is “cycling,” and how quickly you cycle from one mood type to another will indicate the type of bipolar that you are suffering from. Although it’s important to learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder’s many forms, it’s best to seek help from a professional who can make a clinical diagnosis.

Why Do People Suffer from Bipolar Disorder?

We still need to conduct more research to determine the precise cause of bipolar disorder. But some causes and risk factors have shown to increase an individual’s chances of developing this condition, including:

• Having family members who struggle with bipolar disorder
• Having a history of abuse or neglect
• Personal or family struggles with substance use disorder
• Living in a more affluent country
• Experiencing a marital separation or divorce, or the death of a spouse
• Personal history of mental illness

Bipolar Disorder Statistics

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5:

• Approximately 1.8% of people struggle with bipolar disorder in a given year.
• Roughly the same number of men and women are diagnosed with bipolar
• About 1% of people are diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, a type of bipolar disorder.
• Bipolar disorders tend to be more common in more affluent countries.

Please note that there’s no substitute for a professional evaluation. If you are concerned that you or someone you care about is struggling with symptoms of bipolar disorder, contact a mental health professional. At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we offer thorough assessments and can assist you in determining if our bipolar disorder treatment program is a fit for you.

Who Is Impacted by Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder’s impact extends far beyond the affected individual. Because it creates intense fluctuations in mood, it can cause deep fractures in relationships. It can also make it difficult to maintain stability in domestic relationships, to parent effectively, and to perform to potential at work or in school. For this reason, Mount Carmel Behavioral Health seeks to engage family members and loved ones in our effective bipolar disorder treatment planning process.

Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that takes many forms. No two people will have identical experiences of the disorder or presentation of symptoms. However, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the more common signs, symptoms, and effects. These include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Manic episode:

• Engaging in risky or impulsive behavior
• Taking on grandiose projects
• Rapid, loud, or pressured speech
• Restlessness or pacing

Depressive episode:

• Slowing of motor activity

Physical symptoms: 

Manic episode:

• Reduced need for sleep

Depressive episode:

• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite, which could lead to weight loss or gain
• Trouble sleeping
• Excessive need for sleep

Mental symptoms:

Manic episode:

• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility

Depressive episode:

• Poor ability to concentrate
• Reduced problem-solving or decision-making ability
• Thoughts of death
• Suicidal ideation

Short-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder

While each person affected by bipolar disorder has a unique experience, everyone who struggles with this condition will face many damaging effects, including:

• Legal trouble
• Financial difficulties
• Poor performance at work
• Social isolation
• Cognitive difficulties

Please note that the onset, development, and severity of both the short-term effects of bipolar disorder and the long-term effects of bipolar disorder can vary widely from person to person. Also, the short-term effects of bipolar disorder can cause considerable harm and should not be viewed as fleeting or not worthy of treatment. Anyone who is experiencing any effects of bipolar disorder should seek professional treatment.

Long-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder

Like other forms of mental illness, bipolar disorder is a progressive disease. This means that without professional help, symptoms will worsen over time, as will the severity of the effects. Left untreated, bipolar disorder can cause:

• Worsening or onset of other mental health symptoms
• Loss of job
• Development of a substance use disorder
• Suicide attempts

Don’t let these long-term effects of bipolar disorder cause further damage in your life. Seek help from a quality bipolar disorder treatment program like Mount Carmel Behavioral Health.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people who struggle with bipolar disorder also develop other mental health conditions. In clinical terms, people who experience multiple mental health challenges at the same time are referred to as having co-occurring disorders. If you’ve been struggling with bipolar disorder, you may also have an increased risk for developing the following co-occurring disorders:

• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Eating disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Conduct disorder
• Sleep disorders

Know that when you receive effective care for bipolar disorder and other co-occurring conditions at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, you’ll have access to comprehensive care to address all of your symptoms. Our multifaceted model of care ensures that you’ll receive the treatment modalities and services you need to experience deep healing of the mind, body, and spirit.

The Importance of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

If you are experiencing painful symptoms due to the drastic shifts in mood that accompany bipolar disorder, know that you are not alone. While at times it may seem hopeless, by seeking treatment for this condition, you can regain control of your life. With the proper support, you can look forward to a healthy, balanced future.

Inpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Because inpatient treatment offers 24/7 supervision and support, it is an ideal setting in which to begin the journey to recovery from bipolar disorder. By stepping away from the stressors and pressures of daily life, you can focus solely on your recovery. This focused time in treatment has shown to help individuals who are struggling with bipolar disorder to make great strides in their goals for recovery.

How to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder

If you or someone you care about is suffering from bipolar disorder, know that help is available. While it might seem overwhelming at first, there are a few steps you can take today that will help connect you with the quality bipolar disorder care you need:

• Begin by having a conversation about your mood and symptoms. Talk to someone you trust and who you feel can be there to support you in seeking professional help.
• If it’s a friend or family member who is suffering, ask them in a gentle, encouraging way to talk about their mood and symptoms. Share with them what you’ve witnessed, and express your heartfelt concern. Remember to be patient, as this is likely a very painful topic for your loved one and they may be feeling isolated by their symptoms.
• Work with your loved one to find treatment centers in your area that provide a bipolar disorder treatment program, then reach out to the facilities that seem like a good fit. Ask questions about their program and admissions process so that you feel prepared to take next steps.

Throughout this process, be mindful of your own health. By taking some time for self-care activities that rejuvenate you, you will have more energy to support your loved one.

What to Expect During Bipolar Disorder Treatment

If you’ve never entered a residential program to get treatment for bipolar disorder, you might not know what to expect. Sometimes, gaining an understanding of what your time in treatment will look like can go a long way in quelling the fears that can come up prior to transitioning into care. In general, the bipolar disorder treatment program at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health consists of:

• The admissions process – Prior to beginning treatment, our admissions staff will review your history and present concerns. We’ll determine if Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is the ideal setting for you to heal, verify your insurance and financial information, and assist you in preparing to transition into our care.
• The assessment – When you arrive, we’ll conduct a more in-depth assessment of your needs so that we can begin crafting an individualized plan of care that reflects your unique strengths and challenges.
• Comprehensive treatment – Depending upon the information we glean from the assessment process, your treatment plan may include a mix of individual, group, and family therapies, medication management, medical services, and more.
• Discharge planning – Before you leave our bipolar disorder treatment center, you’ll be given a thorough discharge plan that will include recommendations for next steps to encourage your continued success in recovery.

For more information on any aspect of our services, contact Mount Carmel Behavioral Health today.

Types of Therapy in Bipolar Disorder Treatment

We believe that comprehensive, customized bipolar disorder treatment puts people in the best position to achieve true and lasting healing. Depending upon several individual factors, your personalized bipolar disorder treatment plan may include the following elements:

• Medical care – Our staff includes certified nurse practitioners who can provide general medical services below the crisis level. If your struggles with bipolar disorder are accompanied by certain medical issues, we may be able to provide the care that you need. Please contact us directly for detailed information about our ability to meet your medical needs within our bipolar disorder treatment program.
• Medication management – Certain prescription medications can alleviate or help you manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. If our psychiatrist determines that you can benefit from prescription medication, you can receive medication management services during your time in our bipolar disorder treatment center. Patients who receive medication management services have daily meetings with a psychiatrist and receive additional support from advanced practice nurses.
• Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions with an experienced therapist can be optimal opportunities for you to process treatment-related successes and setbacks, address issues you may be hesitant to bring up in a group setting, and receive focused feedback from a member of your treatment team. Individual therapy sessions can be scheduled as needed throughout your time in our inpatient bipolar disorder treatment program.
• Group therapy – Groups are valuable components of bipolar disorder treatment at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health. We offer both process groups and educational groups. Examples of group topics include life skills, coping skills, communication, medications and diagnoses, emotional regulation, and handling traumatic life events. Groups are a safe and supportive forum in which you can share your thoughts, learn from the experiences of others, and practice healthy communication skills, all under the guidance of an experienced professional.
• Family therapy – Family members and close friends can be sources of vital support during and after your time in treatment for bipolar disorder. Family therapy sessions can help you and your loved ones process the impact of bipolar disorder, learn about treatment, and develop stronger bonds with one another. Family therapy sessions for you and your loved ones can be scheduled on an as-needed basis while you’re healing from bipolar disorder at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health.
• Experiential therapy – Experiential therapy is a category that includes a number of dynamic therapeutic activities. Experiential therapies offer multiple ways to interact with your environment, collaborate with others, and engage with your thoughts or feelings. As a complement to more traditional forms of talk therapy, experiential therapy can provide you with a new perspective from which to view the world, as well as new ways to process your experiences and express yourself.

We also offer detailed discharge planning services for each person who completes our inpatient bipolar disorder treatment program. Discharge planning and continuing care for bipolar disorder are addressed in greater detail in the “What Happens After Bipolar Disorder Treatment” section below.

The Cost of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Given that each person will have unique needs in the treatment setting, the cost of bipolar disorder treatment will vary from person to person. The staff at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health can assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and outlining any financial obligations associated with your care. We want you or a loved one to have a thorough understanding of the cost of your treatment prior to engaging with our program so that you can focus fully on your recovery during your stay with us.

What Happens After I Complete Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

While residential treatment is a critical component of recovery, it’s far from the last step. From the moment you start your healing journey at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, we’ll begin planning for your eventual discharge. Prior to exiting our treatment center, you’ll be given a thorough aftercare plan that details the recommendations for supports that will help you continue to find success in recovery.

Learn About Continuing Care for Bipolar Disorder

While in treatment at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, you’ll gain new coping tools and healthy habits that will help you manage your bipolar disorder symptoms. Depending upon your progress, when you leave our program, we may recommend that you transition to one of these other forms of care:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – A PHP combines some of the structure of residential treatment with the freedom and autonomy of outpatient care. Participants attend several hours of therapeutic services throughout the week but do not reside at the treatment center.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – Like a PHP, an IOP allows individuals to experience the support and supervision of inpatient treatment while they transition back to independent living. IOP participants attend treatment throughout the week for several hours each day but return home or to an alternate residence in the evenings and on weekends.
• Traditional outpatient services – Weekly or biweekly individual counseling sessions, specialized group counseling, and other forms of outpatient care can offer support for recovery throughout your life.
• Support groups – Columbus, Ohio, is home to many different types of support groups for individuals who have battled bipolar disorder and other mental health concerns. These groups allow individuals to receive support from others who have walked a similar path.

How to Maintain Your Mental Health After Completing Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

As you prepare to end your time at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, know that no matter what level of support is next for you, there are things you can do to help keep your mental and emotional health intact. Consider the following:

• Physical health – Eat well, move your body, and get plenty of rejuvenating sleep. A strong body will help promote a clear mind.
• Personal support – Connect with supportive friends and family members who want to see you enjoy a sustained recovery. Join a support group in your community to help you stay on track and combat the sense of isolation that can accompany bipolar disorder.
• Professional help – Begin working with a therapist or counselor if necessary. Having a safe, confidential space to process the successes and challenges of early recovery can be vital.

Who Do We Treat?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health in Columbus, Ohio, provides comprehensive inpatient bipolar disorder treatment for adults age 18 and above.

Our inpatient programming is designed for adults whose struggles with bipolar disorder have had a significant impact on their ability to function in a healthy and productive manner. Inpatient care for bipolar disorder at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is a short-term experience, with the goal of helping you achieve the level of stability that will enable you to return home or transition to a step-down level of care.

All admissions decisions for our inpatient bipolar disorder treatment program are made on a case-by-case basis following a thorough review of each potential patient’s needs and treatment history. If at any point prior to admission we determine that Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is not the best place for you, we’ll work with you and your family to make the most appropriate referral.

Where Are We Located?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is an 80-bed inpatient bipolar disorder treatment center in Columbus, Ohio. We’re located on Hilton Corporate Drive on the east side of Columbus, not far from where Interstate 70 connects with Interstate 270.

Our convenient location in central Ohio means we’re easily accessible from Pickerington, Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, and a host of additional communities in and around the Columbus-Marion-Zanesville metropolitan area.

Our bipolar disorder treatment center is a safe and supportive environment for patients. It is also a welcoming place for friends, family members, and other visitors. Features include comfortable patient rooms, superior clinical areas, and inviting spaces in which to relax and reflect.

Our Affiliations & Accreditations

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is committed to playing a leading role in the effort to establish and maintain the highest standards in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders.

We’re proud to be accredited by or affiliated with other agencies and organizations that are also working to ensure that individuals and families in need have access to accurate information and quality care:

• The Joint Commission – The Joint Commission is a not-for-profit organization that provides independent accreditation and certification services for healthcare providers throughout the United States. As stated on The Joint Commission’s website, the organization’s mission is to “continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.”
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) – This agency oversees statewide efforts to prevent and treat mental illness and chemical dependency, and to support those who are in recovery. OhioMHAS is also responsible for certifying, licensing, and regulating mental health service providers throughout the state of Ohio.
• Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) – Founded as the Ohio State Medical Society in 1846, OSMA promotes physician leadership and education, advocates for medical liability reform and other political issues, and provides guidance to professionals and organizations throughout the state.

The Importance of Selecting a Local Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center Near Columbus

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is pleased to offer local bipolar disorder treatment to our neighbors in the greater Columbus, Ohio, area. We serve individuals and families in our community who suffer from symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as other mental health conditions.

Why Choose Mount Carmel Behavioral Health for Help with Bipolar Disorder?

Mount Carmel Behavioral Health is founded on a commitment to compassionate, effective care. Our dedicated staff members provide a personalized treatment experience for each person who seeks our support. Here are three of the many reasons to consider Mount Carmel Behavioral Health for bipolar disorder treatment:

• Comprehensive inpatient care – From your first phone call with us until you exit our residential treatment program, you’ll have access to the services and support you need to heal.
• Personalized services – At Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, our array of treatment modalities ensures that your treatment plan will reflect your unique strengths and challenges.
• Experienced, compassionate professionals – The treatment team at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health has vast experience treating bipolar disorder and co-occurring conditions. We deliver services with compassion and a belief in the dignity of each unique path.

To learn more about bipolar disorder treatment services at Mount Carmel Behavioral Health, contact us at your earliest convenience. A friendly and knowledgeable member of our team is available to speak with you 24/7 and can provide answers to any questions you may have about any aspect of our services.