How to Help Someone Having a Manic Episode

How to Help Someone Having a Manic Episode

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Living with someone experiencing a manic episode can be difficult. Manic episodes can interfere with everyday life and hinder the quality of relationships. Likewise, finding help for a loved one dealing with manic episodes can be just as difficult. One may not know where or how to approach this subject in a constructive and safe way.

However, we love them and want to help them manage these manic episodes. Therefore, it is important to seek education about the complexities of manic episodes to best prepare to help a loved one. Education will support a healthy approach to the subject by asking the right questions and ultimately getting the proper diagnosis and treatment a loved one needs.

Bipolar I Mania Explained

Based on statistics found in the American Psychiatric Association 2022, approximately 90% of people with bipolar disorder have a first-degree relative with a mood disorder. Environmental factors such as drugs or alcohol, sleep deprivation, and stress can also impact mood. Overall, bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain which causes mood instability.

When a person experiences a manic or hypomanic episode, bipolar I disorder is diagnosed. A person with bipolar I disorder may suddenly show an intense increase in hyperactivity and feel almost invincible to the world. Feelings of strong irritability can also occur. Depressive or hypomanic episodes may be prevalent, although people with this condition may still have periods of an even-keeled mood.

Symptoms of a Manic Episode

According to The National Institute of Health, last reviewed in September 2022, people with bipolar disorder experience unusual behaviors without realizing the harm that may come with it and its unfavorable effects. These diverse periods are known as mood episodes. They are quite different from the behaviors of a typical person.

An episode can last every day for the majority of the day. Episodes can last up to several days and even weeks. Some people may feel both manic and depressed at the same time with mixed features. For example, feeling sad and energized at the same time.

Symptoms of a manic episode consist of:

  • Feeling intense euphoria
  • Restless and fidgety
  • Experience Insomnia
  • Rapidly talking about a flight of ideas
  • Doing many things at once without fatigue
  • Racing thoughts
  • Urge to engage in pleasurable activities such as binge eating, sexual activity, or drinking
  • Feeling invincible
  • Going on spending sprees
  • Feeling severely irritable

What Triggers a Manic Episode?

Taking precautions can prevent a manic episode. Caffeine acts as a mood elevator; therefore, the stimulant can trigger mania. Steering clear of foods and beverages with caffeine may be an effective choice. Saying no to smoking cigarettes can be a good move, as nicotine acts as a depressant and stimulant. Staying away from illicit drugs and alcohol is a responsible choice, as they can alter the chemicals in your brain. Each can affect your mood and significantly cause fatigue the following day.

Not getting enough sleep can put our loved ones at risk for manic episodes. Sleep deprivation can highly affect their mood and physical health over time. Sticking to the same sleep routine can help build structure and motivate positive results.

Overall, making responsible choices in one’s daily lifestyle and diet can drastically change the outcome of triggering a manic episode.

How to Manage an Episode Safely

We cannot always prevent a manic episode, but we can certainly do our best to prevent one. When the episodes arise, it may make the people around the individual uncomfortable because it is considered different. There are ways to help a loved one manage and work through the episode together.

  • Help the individual recognize the symptoms (red flags)
  • Be patient and listen to the person’s feelings
  • Share that you are concerned
  • Help your loved one form a routine
  • Make sure medication is taken every day at the same time
  • Take care of the house and ask if they need to get some rest
  • Contact a health professional for help

Professional Treatment for Mania

Bipolar disorder and mania can be challenging to live with, but professional treatment can help ease a loved one’s symptoms. Meeting with a psychiatrist, taking medication, and receiving psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are just a few options when considering a treatment plan.

Many people with bipolar disorder also use substances to cope and ease symptoms. However, substance use can essentially trigger or worsen manic episodes. Treatment programs can be beneficial, and hospitalization is a last resort if their mania is deemed unsafe and hinders their ability to function daily.

Seeking professional help will ensure that the individual and their family receive the care they need. A professional can help with diagnosis and treatment, plus educate the family to help their loved one cope with the disorder.

Taking time to educate yourself on bipolar disorder and manic episodes can help you assist your loved one who is struggling. Recognizing the symptoms and learning what triggers each manic episode can keep you both prepared for when mania sets in. Studying management strategies is highly beneficial but if your loved one is in need of professional help Alter Behavioral Health is here for ongoing support. We provide individualized assistance to help you meet every aspect of your well-being. Our staff is fully dedicated to helping you transition into a comfortable, healthy, and happy lifestyle. Our team is ready to help you with any questions you may have to get started. Call us at (866) 691-4386.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

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Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often encounter difficulty with relationships, mood swings, and abandonment issues. However, this does not mean a person with this disorder cannot live a healthy life. In fact, several people diagnosed with BPD are high-functioning individuals.

Living with someone that has BPD can be extremally difficult if the condition is not managed. Supporting a loved one with BPD can improve the environment and living conditions. Practicing healthy communication by avoiding labeling and blaming can be helpful. Asking open-ended questions can clear a way through unexpected tension as well. Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is educate yourself about borderline personality disorder.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, last reviewed in April 2022, borderline personality disorder is a psychiatric condition that relentlessly impacts an individual’s ability to control and cope with their emotions. Your loved one may experience long-term patterns of instability and tempestuous emotions. The loss of management can greatly increase impulsive behavior, negatively impact relationships with friends and family, and impact self-esteem.

BPD can occur in both men and women. Hospitalized psychiatric patients may also cope with mental illness. It was stated that women do tend to seek treatment more often than men. Surveys have predicted the universality of BPD affects 20% of people in the inpatient psychiatric population and 1.6% of the general population.

Based on a separate NIH study through Medline Plus, the cause of BPD may be unknown, yet a few risk factors may come into play, such as:

  • Childhood or adolescent abandonment
  • Poor upbringing or unstable family life
  • Environmental factors such as sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
  • Cultural factors
  • Genetics or a problem with brain development

Symptoms of BPD

According to Mental health.gov, last updated in March 2022, individuals who have BPD may experience extreme symptoms and view events as either perfect or terrible. If your loved one is diagnosed with BPD, they may have difficulty establishing their identity. Due to uncertainty, specific values and interests can swiftly change. Your loved one’s assumptions about other people can abruptly change. Certain role models may be appreciated one day and not recognized the next day. The instantaneous switch in feelings for people can often lead to unstable or broken relationships.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • Intense fear of abandonment
  • Feeling depressed if left alone
  • Avoiding commitment or suddenly breaking off relationships
  • Often feeling bored or empty inside
  • Presents frequent displays of aggression and outbursts
  • Impulsivity with substance use, promiscuity, or spending sprees
  • Performs self-harm such as cutting, punching, or burning oneself
  • Suicide attempts

Complications if Left Untreated

If left untreated, BPD can follow with serious complications in your loved one’s lifetime. They may experience broken marriages and unplanned pregnancies and deal with dysfunctional interpersonal relationships. The social complexity and mental instability can sometimes lead to severe loneliness and depression when dealing with untreated symptoms associated with BPD. Your loved one may tend to hop from one job to another or find it difficult to manage with professionalism in the workforce. Legal trouble is also a risk factor if the mental health condition is left untreated.

BPD can also have a negative impact on your loved one’s physical health. For example, BPD is linked with weight problems due to dysregulated eating. Unhealthy weight gain can lead to serious chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Getting Effective Help for BPD

Living with BPD can be extremely difficult, especially if left untreated. If your loved one is having difficulty coping with BPD, then they risk facing many complications that can severely affect their relationships, self-image, mood, and motivation. Learning how to recognize the symptoms and understand their health condition can help you, and your loved one take the necessary action to find appropriate care. Doing so will improve the quality of you and your loved one’s life. Effective options include:

  • Medication: Certain medications can help a person cope with BPD but are not a primary way to treat mental illness.
  • Psychotherapy: There are psychotherapy options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), that can treat BPD.
  • Family group therapy: Therapy for caregivers and family members can also be an option. If you are unsure where to find help, a health provider can refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Peer-supported groups: Such groups consisting of peers can be beneficial for helping you cope with BPD because you will come to realize that you are not alone.

Seek Professional Help

Seeking a qualified professional will aid in the diagnosis and treatment process. Taking such measures will ensure that your loved one is being cared for appropriately. Professional care helps establish the building blocks for developing tools to help you and your loved one cope and helps support accountability and motivation.

It can be difficult for a person living with borderline personality disorder. Emotional instability, damaged relationships, and fear of abandonment are just a few symptoms associated with BPD that can be overwhelming. Here at Alter Behavioral Health, we are glad to provide ongoing support and help you find mental stability to improve your quality of life. Our facility can provide you or a loved one with special services to make treatment a smooth process. Our goal is to help you find the right professionals to develop an organized health plan. Our team welcomes you with open arms to our center. If you need professional assistance, there is help available. For more information about our services, call (877) 205-1207. 

Which Type of Schizophrenia Do I Have?

Which Type of Schizophrenia Do I Have?

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Do you sometimes feel out of place mentally? Are you having disorganized thoughts and feelings, or present odd behavior that you do not understand and feel you could not possibly explain what is going on to others? Do you sometimes feel like others are out to get you? Are your symptoms causing you to have impaired relationships? Your everyday life may even be challenging to tackle with the symptoms that are present.

Speaking with a professional can help you find the diagnosis you are searching for to gain relief. With treatment, professionals will educate you on your condition and help you overcome the obstacles schizophrenia brings to your life. Exploring the facts about your mental illness, finding your diagnosis, journaling symptoms, and moving forward with professional help can make a difference.

What Is Schizophrenia?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, last updated in 2022, schizophrenia is a serious chronic brain illness that confuses reality for those living with it. It can be difficult for a person to decipher whether certain sights, experiences, or sounds are real. Is this part of my imagination, or is this reality?

Psychotic episodes can be isolating, frightening, and very confusing for someone who is struggling with schizophrenia. The onset of schizophrenia can occur in the early teen years into late adulthood. Ages 16-30 are common ages for diagnosis. Millions of Americans have this mental illness. The earlier you seek treatment, the better the outcome.

Historical Subtypes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is an incurable yet comprehensive mental health condition that can display several different symptoms. According to the National Library of Medicine, last updated in 2022, prior to 2013, schizophrenia was classified under five subtypes:

  • Paranoid schizophrenia
  • Catatonic schizophrenia
  • Disorganized schizophrenia
  • Residual schizophrenia
  • Undifferentiated schizophrenia

Professionals understand that people with schizophrenia at times deal with consecutive symptoms in their lifetime. Therefore, the former subtypes are not always appropriate. The DSM-5 updated the criteria needed to develop a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and a person must exhibit 2 symptoms for at least six months. The subtypes still help people understand the different ways schizophrenia can affect people, but today the requirements for diagnosis are not determined by the type but by a person’s symptoms. Schizophrenia is mainly diagnosed alone.

Identifying Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, last reviewed in 2022, schizophrenic symptoms can be different for everyone. The symptoms primarily represent three main categories; psychotic, negative, and cognitive.

Psychotic symptoms include differences in the way a person thinks, acts, and experiences the world. A person may feel:

  • Hallucinations: The five senses are felt when not there. Hearing voices is also a sign.
  • Delusions: A person may believe in somewhat irrational thoughts. For example, a person may strongly think they are in danger, or a sign from the media may be sending direct messages.
  • Thought disorder: A person might have difficulties organizing thoughts and speech. For example, a person may stop talking in mid-thought and abruptly change the topic or make up words.
  • Movement disorder: A person may present strange or repetitious body movements.

Negative symptoms include loss of interest or enjoyment in certain activities and loss of motivation. A person may withdraw from social interaction and present difficulty showing emotions, and struggles to function normally. This is often confused with depression. Symptoms include:

  • Having trouble finishing daily tasks such as running errands
  • Difficulty feeling satisfaction with everyday life
  • Trouble showing facial expressions
  • Avoiding social events and behaving awkwardly
  • Expressing catatonia

Cognitive symptoms consist of challenges with concentration, attention, and memory, such as:

  • Having trouble comprehending new information to make the best judgment
  • Struggling to retain information immediately after hearing the instructions
  • Experiencing trouble paying attention in general

Probable Causes

When we are diagnosed with any condition, the first thought that comes to mind is, how did I end up with this condition? What caused this? Who is to blame?

There is no exact cause of schizophrenia, although there are a few risk factors that come into play. Genetics, the environment, and our brain structure could be related to your diagnosis. While the cause could be unknown, the importance of seeking help is critical, especially early on.

Moving Forward in Good Health

If you are experiencing difficulties in your everyday life, it is essential to reach out for professional help. The right treatment plan moving forward can help you find clarity in all that you do. You can trust you will grasp onto reality when in treatment. Reaching out to a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis, sitting down with a therapist, and joining a support group with others on the same journey can potentially change you or a loved one’s life for the better.

Seeking help may be difficult for a person with schizophrenia as the symptoms may make it hard to find guidance. Here at Alter Behavioral Health, we give our patients easy and careful direction. Our facility works hard to place you with the appropriate mental health professionals to assist you in overcoming your challenges. Our services consist of diagnosis, therapy, and support groups to help you get your life back on track. Our staff is dedicated to providing world-class support. We know your story is not an easy one to share, but we are here to listen to you every step of the way. If you feel you need professional help, reach out and contact us today by calling (866) 691-4386.

Do I Have Social Anxiety and What Do I Do About It?

Recognizing Social Anxiety and What to Do About It

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Living life with social anxiety can be difficult and stressful. How do you know if you have social anxiety, and what can you do about it? Understanding your anxiety is the first step to a happier, stress-free lifestyle.

What Does Social Anxiety Look Like?

Feeling nervous and shy are common feelings in children and adults alike and don’t necessarily indicate social anxiety. When an individual has social anxiety, they experience genuine fear and anxiety that lead to avoiding interaction with other people and public spaces. This avoidance can result in poor relationships, missed time at work, and interruption in daily routines and activities.

Some signs and symptoms of social anxiety include but are not limited to the following:

  • Fear of being judged publically
  • Constant worry of humiliation and embarrassment
  • Fear of interacting with strangers
  • Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, and a shaky voice
  • Expecting worst-case scenarios in public interactions
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nauseous or upset stomach
  • Heart racing
  • Muscle tension

Social anxiety can be found anywhere from mid-teens through adulthood. A National Comorbidity Survey showed that an estimated 12.1% of U.S. adults had experienced social anxiety at some point in their lives. There are many forms of anxiety besides social anxiety. If the before-mentioned symptoms do not sound familiar, it is important to determine what form of anxiety you may have.

More Forms of Anxiety

While there are several forms of anxiety, the most common forms are:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Chronic anxiety and tension with or without provocation
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
  • Panic disorder: Repetitive episodes of intense panic accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and dizziness
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Severe anxiety disorder that is the result of a terrifying event in which extreme physical harm either occurred or was threatened

Anxiety in any capacity can be hard to cope with but identifying which anxiety you might have is important in taking the proper steps to manage and treat your anxiety,

How Can I Manage My Social Anxiety?

There are many methods you can try yourself prior to professional treatment. Developing a strong sense of self will help you to understand what circumstances may bring on your social anxiety. Break down the more difficult circumstances into smaller parts and work through them one step at a time.

Keeping a journal of your daily routine and activities is a great method that provides a written record to show any possible patterns in your social anxiety. Another at-home method for managing your social anxiety is utilizing breathing exercises. Practicing these calming breaths can aid in stress, anxiety, and panic, and these exercises can be done anywhere at any time.

When Do I Need to Seek Treatment?

If your social anxiety strongly impacts your day-to-day life, it may be time to contact your doctor for treatment. The good news is social anxiety is a widely known and acknowledged condition with several treatment options. Asking for help can be scary, but you are not alone, and your doctor is here to help you on this journey. Your doctor can guide you in the right direction and suggest the best treatment options to help you achieve a happier, stress-free life.

Treatment Options for Social Anxiety

While there are many treatment plans available, some options include:

Talk to your doctor to see which treatment option is the right one for you. Sometimes a combination of treatments is needed depending on the severity of your social anxiety.

Group Therapy for Social Anxiety: How Can It Help?

Once you have begun treatment, your doctor might suggest group therapy for your social anxiety. The addition of group therapy is effective in the overall treatment process of social anxiety. Group therapy is widely used for many conditions and provides its participants with many benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to the following:

  • Camaraderie:  Learning that you are not alone and that there are others with the same struggles as you can help eliminate isolation in managing your social anxiety.
  • Building confidence: With your new-found camaraderie, you can begin to feel more confident, knowing you’ve got people to lean on if you fall
  • Broaden perspective: Because of the group setting of group therapy, you will hear input from all participants and learn how they cope with their challenges.

As with any therapy session or treatment plan, group therapy is private, safe, and confidential for all participants, creating a positive and safe environment for managing and treating your social anxiety.

Achieve A Happier, Stress-Free Life

If your social anxiety is preventing you from doing the things you want to do and impacting your life, then reaching out for treatment is an important next step in your recovery journey. With the proper treatment and support, you can enjoy a life without being held back by your social anxiety.

Seeking professional help has been shown to drastically improve social anxiety cases, and Alter Behavioral Health can help. Our individual and group therapy programs provide a wonderful opportunity for growth and healing. Throughout the process, you will learn how to interpret your anxiety and what affects you. You have the chance to learn other perspectives and talk through the things that bother you. If you or a loved one struggles with social anxiety or another form of anxiety, it’s important to reach out for help. You are not alone. We care, and we want to help you. If you or a loved one is currently in need of help, then reach out today by calling us at (866) 691-4386.

Does Cigna Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment?

Does Cigna Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment?

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If you’re struggling with mental health issues, figuring out how to pay for treatment can seem overwhelming, Fortunately, Cigna health insurance typically pays for mental health treatment, which makes it easier for people to seek help.

Cigna Insurance and Mental Health Treatment

Cigna is a large health insurance company that offers a variety of employer-provided and personal health insurance plans. If you’re covered by them and wondering, “Does Cigna pay for mental health treatment?” you’re in luck, because the answer is generally, “Yes.” While the benefits and coverage may vary slightly depending on the details of your specific plan, most Cigna insurance plans cover behavioral health treatments.

What Kind of Behavioral Health Treatment Does Cigna Cover?

Most Cigna plans will pay for any required mental health treatments, including individual and group therapy, intensive outpatient care, inpatient care and emergency hospitalizations. Some treatments, such as inpatient care, may only be covered if they’re deemed medically necessary, so it’s always a good idea to read the details of your plan. If you’re not sure if a treatment will be covered, you can always call the number on your Cigna insurance card to ask an expert. Most employer-provided plans also offer an employee assistance program, or EAP, where you can find out details of your employee benefit plan and be referred to a provider.

Cigna health insurance covers emergency mental health treatment, so if you are in a crisis, don’t hesitate to call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. Even if you are not hospitalized, Cigna insurance covers the costs of evaluation and stabilization.

Finding a Provider

Not all mental health providers are covered by Cigna insurance, so it’s important to make sure you find an in-network provider who takes your type of insurance. You can do this by contacting Cigna directly, since they maintain a list of covered providers. If you already have a clinic or individual in mind, you can also contact them directly and ask them if they take Cigna insurance.

It can be difficult to determine what kind of provider you need, but luckily Cigna health insurance covers most types of mental health doctors, therapists and counselors. This includes the majority of professionals, including people who hold the following licenses:

  • Licensed Clinic Social Worker
  • Registered Nurse
  • Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Other providers may also be covered.

Since mental health treatment can be a highly personal process, it’s important to work with a provider you trust. If you don’t feel comfortable with the person you are seeing for treatment, Cigna health insurance allows you to switch to a different doctor or therapist with no penalty.

Cigna Mental Health Treatment Costs

Some patients may need to pay part of their mental health treatment costs. The details vary depending on the specific Cigna health plan, but typically there is a standard copay for routine services. You may also have to pay the cost of your deductible or a separate copay for emergency services or inpatient care. Cigna includes mental and behavioral health services as part of the standard deductible, so if you have already met it receiving other types of medical care, you typically will not need to pay a separate deductible for mental health treatment.

If you choose to use an out-of-network provider for routine care, you may have to pay more. Under some plans, you may need to pay the full cost of treatment yourself. Other plans may simply include a higher copay or other fees.

What Mental Illnesses Does Cigna Cover?

Cigna health insurance covers most mental and behavioral health issues, including both acute and chronic problems. These include, but are not limited to, mental health issues such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Substance abuse
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Panic disorder and panic attacks
  • Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Many Cigna health plans also cover behavioral health services for things many people don’t think of as mental health problems, such as counseling for family and marital problems.

How Can You Tell If Someone Is Mentally Ill?

How Can You Tell If Someone Is Mentally Ill?

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Unless you seek proper treatment, mental illness has the capacity to sap your motivation and suck the joy from the things that usually make you happy. Despite the devastating effects of mental illness, these conditions are often invisible. That is, people who are deeply depressed or anxious have learned to pass things off as normal and deal with misery. While professional diagnosis is the only certain way to know if someone is mentally ill, you can still keep an eye out for the following warning signs.

Signs That Someone is Mentally Ill

Mental illness is complex and can evolve out of a mixture of genetics and life circumstance. It’s possible that you’re close to someone who’s unknowingly mentally ill, but you might also see someone in the process of developing a mental illness.

Decline in Functioning

A drop in functioning is one of the most consistent signs of mental illness, for the simple reason that many things can cause it. Anxiety and depression can reduce executive function directly and lead to poor performance at school, work, or elsewhere. Other types of mental illnesses can worsen your quality of life to the point that maintaining normal functioning becomes impossible.

Chronic Irritability, Sadness, or Stress

While everyone suffers a poor mood now and then, mental illness takes this to a much more drastic extent. It’s not normal for someone to constantly seem to be upset, sad, or otherwise on edge. While such enduring poor mood isn’t concrete proof of mental illness, it is a considerable warning factor.

Changes in Eating Habits

Some mental illnesses, such as eating disorders revolve around sharp, unhealthy changes in eating habits. Most mental illnesses can prompt drastic changes in eating habits, though, as someone loses interest in eating or turns to food as a coping mechanism.

Sudden Disruption in Sleep

When someone’s sleep pattern is thrown out of order, there’s generally a cause. There are many ways that mental illness can disrupt normal sleep, such as making it difficult to sleep or making the next day seem unbearable. Conversely, someone might begin sleeping too much and struggle to leave their bed during a depressive episode.

Intense, Inconsistent Moods

Severe mood swings can be a direct or indirect consequence of mental illness. For instance, bipolar disorder causes the afflicted to waver between crushing depression and uncontrollable mania. Likewise, many mental illnesses can come in sudden episodes that disrupt the normal behavior and feeling of a person.

Social Withdrawal

Mental illness often makes socializing seem excessively challenging or unrewarding. Additionally, depression and other conditions can make it hard to fulfill the basic self-care that’s a prerequisite to spending time with others. When you see someone withdraw from their friends and family, mental illness may be the culprit.

Alter Behavioral Health

Alter Behavioral Health is a primary care facility for adult autism and the most common mental health disorders. If you or someone you love needs mental health support that they aren’t receiving, get in touch with us for compassionate, evidence-based care.