Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster, with exhilarating highs yet lows so deep they could feel impossible to escape.
At PULSE+, we offer evidence-based therapy for Bipolar disorder by a clinical psychologist. Through individual sessions in a safe and understanding space, you will gain valuable insights into your condition, develop effective coping mechanisms, as well as learn to build a life filled with greater stability, fulfilment, and a sense of control over your well-being.
Ally's Story
Ally suffers from a cycle of depressive and manic episodes ever since her teenage years and they recur several times a year.
Depressive episodes
Struggles to get out of bed and frequently oversleeps
Difficulties functioning at work and frequently misses deadlines
Often takes MC
Manic episodes
Very energetic and requires little sleep
Performs very well at work and is socially active, partying and staying out late
Constantly dreads when the dark moments will catch up with her next
Depressive episodes
Struggles to get out of bed and frequently oversleeps
Difficulties functioning at work and frequently misses deadlines
Often takes MC
Manic episodes
Very energetic and requires little sleep
Performs very well at work and is socially active, partying and staying out late
Constantly dreads when the dark moments will catch up with her next
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings between episodes of mania (elevated mood) and depression (low mood).
Signs & Symptoms
Individuals with Bipolar Disorder typically alternate between mania and depression.
Manic episodes
- Elevated mood
- Increased energy
- Impulsivity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Heightened irritability
Depressive episodes
- Persistent sadness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite and sleep
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
There is usually no single determined cause. Individuals who develop mental health conditions usually possess one or more risk factors, such as:
Genetic factors
Having a family history of bipolar disorder increases the risk
Brain structure & function
Brain structure
& function
Imbalances in neurotransmitters and structural changes in the brain may contribute to development of the condition
Stressful life events
Trauma, major life changes, or chronic stress can trigger episodes
Consequences of Bipolar Disorder
Poorer functioning at work or school
During depressive episodes, individuals may struggle with low energy, concentration issues, and reduced productivity at work
Frequent mood swings and episodes may lead to difficulties in maintaining consistent employment or achieving career stability.
Financial instability
Impulsivity during manic episodes may lead to reckless spending, financial debts, and other financial challenges.
Issues in personal relationships
Mood swings and behavioural changes can strain relationships, leading to difficulties in maintaining long-term friendships, romantic relationships or family connections.
How can Therapy Help with Bipolar Disorder?
Medication can help to stabilise moods and manage symptoms of depression and mania. Thus, individuals with Bipolar disorder would usually be referred to a psychiatrist for medication if they are not seeing one yet.
On the other hand, therapy in conjunction with medication can greatly help individuals with bipolar disorder to better manage their condition and work towards living the life they want.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation
“Knowing is half the battle”
Understanding your condition and how it impacts you is key to successfully managing it. Following the initial assessment, your psychologist will educate you with the essential information, such as
- Your main triggers
- Your symptoms and how they affect you
- The helpful and unhelpful ways you cope
- Treatment options that best suited for your needs
- Explanation of how CBT and therapy works
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a designated evidence-based treatment that has been found by research to be effective for Bipolar disorder. Based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours affect one another, CBT can especially help you to more effectively manage your symptoms and mood swings.
Identifying negative thought patterns
CBT can help individuals with Bipolar disorder to recognize negative and unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to mood swings. These patterns might involve catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, or filtering information through a negative lens.
By identifying these patterns, you can learn to challenge and replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts, ultimately reducing emotional distress.
Managing mood swings
CBT equips you with skills to manage both depressive and manic episodes. During depressive episodes, techniques like behavioural activation can help increase engagement in activities that bring joy and combat feelings of isolation.
For manic episodes, CBT can teach you to identify early warning signs and implement coping strategies to prevent escalation.
Improving Coping Mechanisms
Improving Coping Mechanisms
Therapy can help you to learn healthier coping mechanisms to manage stress and other triggers that can worsen symptoms. These might involve relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or problem-solving skills.
As one’s lifestyle would also affect symptoms, your therapist may also recommend lifestyle changes such reducing stress and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Learning what they can do to cope better empowers individuals with Bipolar disorder to better manage challenges and maintain emotional stability.
Improving Relationships & Social Functioning
Improving Relationships & Social Functioning
The emotional instability and other symptoms of bipolar disorder can often strain relationships.
A therapist can help you to develop better communication skills and learn strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts effectively.
Meet our Psychologist
Lead Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jaswyn Chin
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), James Cook University Singapore
Bachelors of Art in Psychology, Murdoch University Australia
Registered Psychologist with Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Dr. Jaswyn is a registered clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. She has extensive experience providing intervention for various a wide range of mental health issues from anxiety, depression, grief, insomnia, OCD, personality disorders, stress management to trauma.
Dr Jaswyn adopts a person-centred approach to therapy where she believes in working collaboratively with individuals through the process of recovery. She is also trained in multiple therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and eye movement desensitisation reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
During her free time, Jaswyn enjoys music and plays the piano. She is also a keen learner of new languages and loves to travel.
Start living the life you want.
Book an appointment with a PULSE+ psychologist today.
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FAQ
A clinical psychologist usually has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s or Doctoral degree in clinical psychology. They would have received longer, more comprehensive training on psychological theories, mental health conditions, assessments, and therapeutic techniques. They are qualified to work with clients on a wider range of issues, from general life challenges, emotional problems, to mental health conditions.
A counsellor or therapist, on the other hand, usually holds either a bachelor’s degree in counselling or psychology and/or a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in counselling, which usually focus on general counselling or therapy skills. A counsellor or therapist typically helps clients on general life problems and challenges, such as stress, family or relationship issues. They may not have the resources or capacity to handle mental health cases such as clinical depression, anxiety or other diagnosed psychological conditions.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school with further specialised training in psychiatry. In practice, they focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through prescribing psychotropic medications (e.g. antidepressants, anxiety medications). A psychologist, on the other hand, aims to help clients improve through therapeutic interventions. They focus on psychoeducation as well as changing the way clients respond (think and behave) to improve their conditions.
Psychiatrist consultations are usually much briefer than therapy sessions, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. The session usually focuses on keeping track of the patient’s symptoms and responses to medication, and in adjusting the prescription. Some psychiatrists; although less common; may also provide psychological interventions.
It is common for clients with mental health conditions to see a psychiatrist to help alleviate some of their symptoms through medication, and also work with a psychologist to make longer-term changes that will help them recover from their conditions. Our psychologist would refer a client to also see a psychiatrist whenever it is deemed necessary.
There isn’t anything specific required from you. Our psychologist would guide you through the session by asking questions to get the information needed. Simply show up on time or slightly early on the appointment day to fill out the necessary forms.
The therapy sessions at PULSE is up to 60 minutes. When needed, there is also the option to extend the therapy time (charges apply).
This varies widely among clients and usually depends on many factors, including the severity of their conditions, or complications of their presenting issues, motivation towards the therapy work, and more. Some clients may resolve their issues within a few sessions, while others may need long-term support. As a general guide, four to eight sessions are more common.
PULSE+ Allied Health clinic is located at Camden Medical Centre, by Orchard Boulevard MRT.
Simply fill out our Appointment form below and we will get back to you to confirm the appointment.
Please visit our Charges page for our rates.
If you have further questions, you may SMS or whatsapp us at 9831 9912 or email us at psychologist@pulseallied.health.
Have more questions?
Visit our AskPULSE portal to ask our PULSE+ Allied Health specialists or PULSE TCM Physicians any questions about your health or our services.