This article was co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.
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If you're a partner or friend of a person with bipolar, you know that it's a challenging medical condition. Their moods can swing unpredictably from high energy to depression, so it can be hard to navigate a relationship with them. Fortunately, with support and treatment, their moods can stabilize. Even so, setting up healthy boundaries and enforcing them will help you protect your own mental health.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can you tell if someone is bipolar?Catherine Boswell, PhDDr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.
Licensed PsychologistSome primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are mood instability and fluctuating levels of activity and energy. Like all psychological diagnoses, it is on a spectrum that ranges from minor mood instability to major problems that can interrupt one’s ability to manage relationships, at home and professionally. The mood swings can go from very down and apathetic (depressed) to feelings of mania - very “up” energetic, elated, “wired.” Some people cycle more rapidly, from feelings of fatigue and depression to feelings of intense physical and psychic energy.
References
- ↑ Catherine Boswell, PhD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 December 2020.
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.ualberta.ca/anesthesiology-pain-medicine/media-library/documents/workbookbuilding-better-boundariesfeb2011.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ualberta.ca/anesthesiology-pain-medicine/media-library/documents/workbookbuilding-better-boundariesfeb2011.pdf
- ↑ Allison Broennimann, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 January 2021.
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 3 January 2019.
- ↑ https://www.ualberta.ca/anesthesiology-pain-medicine/media-library/documents/workbookbuilding-better-boundariesfeb2011.pdf
- ↑ Allison Broennimann, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 January 2021.
- ↑ Cameron Gibson, R.C.C.. Registered Clinical Counsellor & Program Director. Expert Interview. 10 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.ualberta.ca/anesthesiology-pain-medicine/media-library/documents/workbookbuilding-better-boundariesfeb2011.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ualberta.ca/anesthesiology-pain-medicine/media-library/documents/workbookbuilding-better-boundariesfeb2011.pdf
- ↑ https://bipolarcaregivers.org/supporting-the-person/supporting-a-person-with-mania-or-hypomania/dealing-with-risky-or-inappropriate-behavior
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/helping-someone-with-bipolar-disorder.htm
- ↑ https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/for-friends-family/helping-someone-with-a-mood-disorder/
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa167725
- ↑ Catherine Boswell, PhD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mood-disorders/bipolar-relationships-what-to-expect
- ↑ Catherine Boswell, PhD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 December 2020.
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview. 19 August 2021.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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