Bipolar Disorder and Postpartum: How to Get Help

Mental health disorders have been a large part of human life. The brain is a complex part of the body and it still needs to be studied more to truly gain insight into its magnificence. Unfortunately, this leaves us with a brain that can easily destroy us if we aren't careful. Mental health disorders like bipolar disorders are proving to be a complicated part of many people's lives.

Mental health in general can be a touchy subject. However, what's even more sensitive is the topic of bipolar disorder and postpartum. Postpartum is referred to as the period of time after a woman gives birth to a baby. Medically, this period lasts for six to eight weeks following birth. However, postpartum can be referred to as a woman who has given birth, even if that was years ago.

If you are a mom who is struggling with a mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder, after having a baby, you are not alone. The best thing you can do is learn more about the disorder and come up with a plan of action to get help. Bipolar disorder and postpartum are two very extreme pieces of life; don't ignore the potential to get the help you need.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

The cause of the bipolar disorder isn't exactly known. Bipolar disorder is associated with mood swings. This can be difficult to determine in a newly postpartum woman because of the hormonal imbalance that occurs after having a baby. However, the following are some common symptoms to be aware of when assessing yourself for bipolar disorder.

Mood Swings

These are dramatic mood swings that interrupt your day. This isn't an "I stubbed my toe and now I'm furious and in pain" mood swing. This is a range of depressive and manic episodes that feel uncontrollable.

Irritability

Becoming easily irritable is a sign of bipolar disorder. In postpartum, you are likely to also become irritable with the lack of sleep and the growing needs of a baby. However, your level of irritability will determine whether or not you are suffering from an underlying issue, such as bipolar disorder. Ask yourself questions like, "How often is the irritability occurring? How long does it last? What triggered the irritability?"

Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities

The loss of interest or pleasure in activities is a big sign that something isn't quite right. In mothers who are postpartum, bipolar can show its ugly head in the form of a lack of interest in the baby.

Trouble with Sleep

The trouble with sleep could look like having trouble going to sleep or sleeping too much. Either side of this spectrum could be a sign you need to take note of. With a new baby, however, any time you can sleep is a good thing. Unfortunately, this sign may be easy to miss when you are sleep deprived with an infant. Consider making a plan with your spouse or partner to help you identify if they notice you are having trouble with sleep.

Unwanted Thoughts

A common sign of bipolar disorder is having unwanted thoughts. This doesn't mean you would act on those thoughts, but the thoughts just keep reappearing in your mind when you don’t want them to.

How to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder in Postpartum

Bipolar disorder and postpartum can be tricky. Use the following ideas to help you identify your disorder and get the help you need to cope with the symptoms.

Journal

A journal is a helpful tool to have for nearly all mental health disorders. This journal can help you assess if you are struggling with underlying issues because it can give a direct account of your thoughts and feelings (if you are consistent in writing about them).

A journal is also a great tool to use to quiet your mind when you have too much that you are thinking about. Take this journal to any appointments as well to give your doctor a more thorough account of the way you have been feeling and what you are experiencing.

Consult Your Doctor

If you suspect you are suffering from bipolar disorder, the first thing to do is consult your doctor. Your physician can help you with a more thorough assessment and refer you to any mental health resources as needed. They can also help you determine what kind of medication would be best for you if you choose to handle your disorder with medication.

See a Therapist

A therapist like myself is someone who can help you identify and recover from your manic episodes. In therapy, you can get tools to help you modify negative thoughts and behaviors effectively in addition to learning new ways to respond when you are faced with psychological distress.

As your therapist, it is my goal to help you be the best version of yourself no matter what kind of mental health challenges you might be facing. Your life as a mom who may be experiencing bipolar disorder is not something to ignore. Partner with me so that you can enjoy life again and gain control over this challenge.

Medication Options

Medication is an option to treat bipolar disorder and it is also highly recommended to use. However, you have the choice to determine what medication, if any, you want to take. Go over the possible medications specific to bipolar disorder and discover what options you might consider.

Diet Changes

Some people with bipolar disorder find that certain foods trigger their manic episodes. Therefore, they have to change their diet to leave out certain foods. Consider this option as well and mark down your reaction to food in your journal.

Join a Support Community

When you struggle with any mental health disorder, joining a community of support can be helpful in your treatment. Community helps bridge the feelings of being alone and isolated from others. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the disorder with those in the group who can relate.

Bipolar Disorder and Postpartum Don't Have to Control You

While bipolar disorder and postpartum can feel like the most out-of-control time in your life, there are ways to cope that put you back into the driver's seat of your journey. Whether you choose to take medication, change your diet, consult a therapist, or all of the above, you are taking a step in the right direction to gain control of your life once again.

As a licensed mental health therapist, I can help you assess yourself further for bipolar disorder and any other mental health disorders you might be facing. Use my offer for a free consultation to get started on a path of healing and treatment. Your mental health and your family deserve the best version of you. Let's partner together to make that happen.