Experiencing highs and lows is normal, but when mood changes become intense, unpredictable or start affecting your work, school or relationships, it might be more than just regular stress. 

Bipolar disorder is a prevalent and manageable mental health condition that significantly influences mood, energy and activity levels.

Individuals go through periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) as well as periods of low mood (depression). At Willowbrooke at Tanner, we assist individuals throughout west Georgia in understanding bipolar disorder and finding the care that fosters long-term stability. With the right plan, more stable days are within reach. We’re here to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence.

Overview

Bipolar disorder is a brain-based mood condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. These mood shifts are more intense and last longer than typical mood swings, disrupting daily life. The condition affects millions and often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can appear at any age.

Recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder early can lead to timely treatment, fewer relapses, and a better quality of life. Awareness also helps family, friends, and colleagues provide support, reduce stigma and make it easier to ask for help.

During manic or hypomanic episodes, individuals may sleep less, talk faster, take risks or feel unusually confident, impacting judgment, finances and relationships.

During depressive episodes, low energy, sadness and concentration difficulties can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. A comprehensive plan that includes therapies for bipolar disorder can help stabilize mood, improve functioning and support long-term wellness.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition — not a personality flaw or a lack of willpower.

It is characterized by episodes of:

• Mania or hypomania (elevated or unusually energized mood)
• Depression (persistent sadness or loss of interest)

These mood episodes can affect sleep, judgment, behavior, relationships and daily functioning. Many people also experience mixed features, where symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. If you’re noticing bipolar symptoms that are challenging to manage, reaching out for care can make a meaningful difference.

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar I disorder 

Diagnosed after at least one full manic episode lasting a week or requiring hospitalization. Manic episodes may be severe enough to include psychosis. Depressive episodes are common but not necessary for diagnosis.

Bipolar II disorder 

Involves at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode. Hypomania is less intense than full mania but still involves noticeable changes in mood and energy. People with bipolar II often experience more frequent or prolonged depressive episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia) 

A chronic pattern of fluctuating hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Symptoms persist for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents.

Symptoms

Bipolar symptoms vary depending on whether someone is experiencing mania, hypomania or depression. Episodes can last days to weeks. Some individuals experience rapid cycling, defined as four or more episodes in a year.

Symptoms of mania or hypomania

Symptoms of bipolar depression

If someone is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate professional support is critical. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit the nearest emergency department.

Causes and risk factors

Bipolar disorder is believed to result from a combination of factors. There isn’t a single cause, and risk varies among individuals.

• Genetics and family history: Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and having a first-degree relative with the condition increases risk.
• Brain structure and chemistry: Differences in brain circuits and neurotransmitters that regulate mood, energy and sleep may contribute.
• Stressful life events and trauma: Chronic stress, traumatic experiences and major life transitions can precipitate episodes.
• Substance use: Alcohol and drug use can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Sleep disruption: Irregular sleep patterns and routine changes are common triggers.

Symptoms often begin in the late teen years or early adulthood, but bipolar disorder can develop at any age. Maintaining regular routines, healthy sleep and stress management can reduce the likelihood of episodes and help you spot early signs of bipolar disorder.

How bipolar disorder is diagnosed

Diagnosing bipolar disorder requires a careful mental health evaluation. Because symptoms can overlap with depression, anxiety, or attention disorders, an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective care.

At Willowbrooke at Tanner, we assess:

• The pattern and duration of mood episodes
• Severity of symptoms
• Impact on work, school and relationships
• Family and medical history
• Possible medical or substance-related causes

If you’ve noticed bipolar symptoms or signs of bipolar disorder in yourself or a loved one, we can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and recommend next steps.

Treatment options

Effective care for bipolar disorder combines medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle strategies and support.

Our goal is mood stabilization, symptom reduction and prevention of future episodes. Plans are tailored to each person and adjusted over time based on response and side effects. We offer a range of bipolar disorder therapies designed to fit your needs and preferences.

Medication management

Medication is often a core part of care. Common options include:

• Mood stabilizers: Lithium and certain anticonvulsants help reduce mania and prevent relapse.
• Atypical antipsychotics: Used to manage acute mania, mixed features or bipolar depression.
• Antidepressants: Used cautiously and typically with a mood stabilizer to reduce the risk of triggering mania.

Our psychiatric providers monitor effectiveness and side effects to ensure safety and stability. Some medicines require regular lab checks, and taking medication as prescribed is key to results.

Therapy

Therapy helps you understand mood patterns, manage stress and build coping skills.

Evidence-based bipolar disorder therapies may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

Family involvement can be powerful. Loved ones can help recognize early signs of bipolar disorder, support healthy routines and improve communication.

Lifestyle and structure support

Consistency plays a key role in managing bipolar disorder.

We help you develop:

• Regular sleep routines
• Stress reduction strategies
• Healthy daily structure
• Substance use awareness
• Support systems

Small adjustments — tracking mood changes, keeping steady routines and creating a crisis plan for early intervention — can significantly reduce mood instability and help you manage bipolar symptoms day to day.

When should you seek help?

Consider an evaluation if you or a loved one:

• Experiences extreme mood swings
• Has periods of very high energy followed by deep depression
• Engages in impulsive or risky behaviors
• Struggles to maintain relationships or work stability
• Has been treated for depression without improvement
• Notices sleep patterns are dramatically shifting

Early treatment improves long-term outcomes. If you need immediate support, call or text 988, or visit the nearest emergency department. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling are signs of bipolar disorder, we can help you sort it out.

Why choose Willowbrooke at Tanner?

We understand how overwhelming mood instability can feel — for you and for your family. We serve Carrollton, Villa Rica and surrounding west Georgia communities with compassionate, expert behavioral health care for bipolar disorder and other mood conditions.

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Personalized treatment plans
• Medication management and therapy coordination
• Inpatient and outpatient options
• Support for co-occurring conditions

You deserve steady ground. We’re here to help you find it with proven bipolar disorder therapies and ongoing support.

Call or visit for support

For more information, call 770-812-3266.

If you would like to start care today, visit Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use,

20 Herrell Road, Suite 1, Villa Rica, GA 30180

We will complete a free assessment and help determine the next level of care that’s right for you.

No appointment necessary. Simply walk in. 

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For immediate help with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.