Living Well with Bipolar Disorder: Effective Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem
What is Bipolar Disorder and How Does it Impact Self-Esteem?
Bipolar disorder is characterised by fluctuating moods from feeling extremely euphoric to very low which can involve depressive episodes as well. The manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes can influence individuals' feelings, thoughts and behaviour. During manic and hypomanic episodes, one feels extremely confident whereas the opposite can happen during depressive episodes.
There can be diverse factors that can impact an individual’s self-worth. These can be categorised as internal factors such as virtue and external factors such as praise from an authority figure. Mood changes can impact one’s beliefs about oneself, their goals and self-esteem. Furthermore, one’s self-esteem can be influenced by the goals that one can achieve and goal-achievement can be impacted because of the feelings and behaviour experienced as a part of bipolar disorder. Thus, it can be said that one's self-esteem level can vary based on the mood of the individual.
How Therapy Enhances Self-Worth for Bipolar Patients?
Therapy provides the client with a safe and empathetic space to express oneself. Here are a few ways through which therapy can enhance self-worth for bipolar patients:
- Psycho-educating the clients about the relationship between self-esteem and changes in mood.
- Supporting the client in realistic goal setting and creating steps to achieve those goals.
- Motivational interviewing can be a technique to help clients recognize their strengths and promote autonomy.
- Practitioners can encourage the client to feel compassion for themselves and practise exercises to enhance self-compassion.
- The therapist can offer a non-judgemental space for the client to freely share and acknowledge their concerns.
The above-listed points help in understanding the role of therapy for bipolar disorder and also how self-esteem can be impacted because of the same. One can explore different therapists for bipolar disorder treatment, understand their treatment approach and accordingly finalise a suitable therapist for bipolar disorder treatment.
The Role of Medication in Managing Bipolar Disorder
Mood stabilisers can be prescribed by psychiatrists to support the individual deal with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, in case of any comorbid disorder, medications can accordingly be changed to meet the patient's needs. The individual must be consistent with the medications and for that caregivers and mental health professionals can keep on encouraging the person.
Along with medications, psychotherapy sessions and support group sessions can also contribute towards the management of bipolar disorder.
The Power of Positive Self-Talk in Bipolar Disorder
Positive self-talk can be done in various ways, for example:
- Complimenting oneself
- Choosing positive words for self
- Use of affirmations
Positive psychology focuses on the importance of positive self-talk. Would you like it if your friend used bad words for you? Well, usually nobody likes being talked to rudely and that brings us to reflect on the kind of words we use for ourselves.
An individual with bipolar disorder may compare their journey with others and feel low about interpersonal relations, goal achievement etc and it is during such times that kind words can act as an anchor to support the person.
How Social Support Enhances Self Worth
Social support can be received in diverse ways, for example, emotional, financial, instrumental etc. Further, it might be received from different people such as parents, romantic partners, colleagues and friends. The self-worth of an individual can be dependent on the support they are getting from those around them. Self-esteem levels can also be impacted because of social support. The validation and encouragement that is provided can shape an individual’s self-worth.
Gradually, support groups are also gaining popularity as they provide individuals with a space to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges. Being part of a community can contribute towards the self-worth of the individual. Abraham Maslow, a well-known psychologist also emphasised the importance of the ‘need for belongingness’.
Seeking Professional Help: Finding the Psychiatrist for Professional Help
If you are finding it difficult to shortlist the best bipolar doctors for treatment in Gurgaon, then here are some parameters that can help you narrow down your choices:
- Experience and expertise of the psychiatrist
- Qualifications and additional certifications
- Fees, location and consultation availability
- Credibility and reputation of the professional
- Ethical guidelines that the professional is following
These are just a few of the many points that can help you finalise the best bipolar specialist near you in Gurgaon.
When to Seek Help from the Best Bipolar Specialist in Gurgaon
Seeking professional assistance timely is of utmost importance to manage the concerns effectively. Here are a few signs that one can be mindful of and if you or your loved one experience anything similar then it would be strongly recommended to book a consultation with the best bipolar specialist near me:
- Excessively unstable mood
- Conflicts in interpersonal relations
- Decline in productivity level
- Persistent sleep disturbance
- Self-harm behaviour or suicidal ideation
If these or similar signs are being observed, then it is advised to look for bipolar doctors near you in Gurgaon.
Creating Realistic Goals for Bipolar Patients
Practitioners and clients can collaboratively develop short-term and long-term goals that should be realistic. Every step that is taken forward to achieve the goal, every goal that is achieved should be celebrated to encourage the individuals. While each person may have their own specific goals, a few options for realistic goals can include:
- Adherence to medication
- Regular exercise and yoga
- Healthy and balanced diet
- Acts of kindness weekly
- Learning to regulate emotions
These are just some ideas and as per the client’s choice, goals can be created, modified and steps to achieving those goals can also be developed.
Tracking Progress: Measuring Self-Esteem Improvement
Tracking progress in the recovery journey enables one to understand and reflect upon their recovery journey. As needed, one can also keep on changing certain aspects such as techniques used, and goals set. There are a lot of ways through which self-esteem can be assessed, for instance:
- Self-report questionnaires and scales
- Behavioral Observations
- Feedback from others
Reflective questions allow the client to open up about their journey so far and introspect with regard to multiple aspects of their wellness.
Conclusion
You deserve to think positively and have a healthy well-being. If you are looking for the top psychiatrists for bipolar disorder treatment near me in Gurgaon, then look no more as Athena Behavioral Health is here to help you!
Here you can find a comprehensive care plan developed by best bipolar specialist and bipolar doctors. It is very natural to want to seek support from the best bipolar specialist near you in Gurugram and we assure you of top-notch services and facilities.
Book a consultation with our bipolar doctors and psychiatrist for bipolar disorder treatment today and together we will help you build a better self-esteem and manage bipolar disorder.
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