If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, you don’t have to struggle alone. You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a professional about bipolar symptoms and get help with mental health resources.
Our bipolar disorder hotline is always here to offer you guidance, support, and empathy. We don’t see you as damaged, broken, or beyond assistance. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or think you might have bipolar disorder, we want to guide you to the right treatment.
Every year, approximately 5.7 million Americans, which accounts for about 2.6% of the population, grapple with bipolar disorder. This condition can have a significant impact on a person’s life, disrupting their daily activities and diminishing their overall well-being. Seeking treatment for bipolar disorder begins with open and sincere communication among individuals affected by the condition, their families and healthcare providers. Unfortunately, a considerable number, as high as 51%, of those with bipolar disorder choose not to pursue treatment due to either a lack of insurance coverage or the fear of facing social stigma.
Here at the National Mental Health Hotline, we deeply understand that seeking help is a courageous and essential decision that many individuals may struggle to make on their own. That’s why we offer free bipolar hotlines, available anytime and anywhere, where you can reach out for assistance without the worry of being judged or required to disclose insurance information.
Why You May Need a Bipolar Disorder Hotline
A bipolar hotline or bipolar helpline is a free, private and confidential way to get help and information about the disorder and the crippling impacts it can have on your life. You will also get information about the treatment options available in your area and crisis intervention if needed.
Bipolar Disorder Hotlines and Resources
Our bipolar disorder hotlines provide an easy way to speak with sympathetic, trained professionals ready to offer you the guidance, empathy and support you need to reclaim your life. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years, we want to guide you to the right treatment that will lead you to a solid path of recovery. The following are the available PTSD hotlines from National Mental Health Hotline Organization:
- Crisis Text Line: Text and Online Bipolar Chat
Crisis Text Line is a volunteer-based bipolar crisis help service providing 24/7 free support to people with bipolar disorder. They offer bipolar help online at crisistextline.org and are also available through text via 741741. - SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA provides a free 24-hour service to help those battling substance abuse-related issues and other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. This service is available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. Reach out through the following contacts:
Text: 435748 Call: 1-800-662-4357 or TTY 1-800-487-4889 - NAMI Helpline
The NAMI helpline can be a great way to seek answers to many of your questions regarding a bipolar condition. Through the service, you can get helpful guidance for all mental illness topics. Reach out through:
Text: 62640 Call 800-950-6264
Bipolar Disorder Statistics
With statistics revealing that bipolar affects millions of other people in the USA, you are not alone in the battle against bipolar disorder. You don’t have to allow it to keep you from achieving your dreams or enjoying your hobbies. Here are a few statistics to know about bipolar disorder:
- Nearly 5.7 million adults in the US live with bipolar disorder
- The standard median age of onset of bipolar disorder is 25 years. However, the illness can start in early childhood or the late 40s and 50s
- Bipolar disorder has a heritable component, with over two-thirds of those with the condition having at least one relative with the illness
- Males and females share the same prevalence of bipolar (2.8% and 2.9%, respectively).
- Untreated bipolar disorder can reduce the expected lifespan by 9.2 years
- People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of suicide, studies revealing 15 to 17% of those affected committing suicide
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant shifts in mood, marked by periods of heightened emotions (mania or hypomania) and periods of low mood (commonly known as depression). During your lows, you may lose interest and pleasure in your usual activities. When your moods are lifted, you might feel euphoric and full of energy. Extreme mood swings can affect sleep, behavior, judgment and the ability to think objectively.
Causes
The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown, but studies suggest a combination of physical, environmental and social factors enhances the risk of developing the condition. Common experiences that could trigger bipolar disorder include:
- Childhood trauma, such as neglect, abuse, traumatic event or losing a close loved one
- Stressful life events, such as money worries and poverty, a relationship breakdown, racism or work pressure
- Brain chemistry that interferes with neurotransmitters
- Genetics— those with bipolar disorder are more likely to have a family member with the condition
- Use of some medications, drugs and alcohol
Types of Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorders can be categorized into types and subtypes based on how an individual is experiencing different moods and symptoms and how severely they affect them. The following are common types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar 1
You may be diagnosed with bipolar 1 if you experience the following symptoms:
- At least one major episode of mania that lasted for over a week
- Major depressive episode lasting 2 weeks or longer
Bipolar 2
Those with bipolar 2 may experience the following symptoms:
- The maniac episode is less severe than in bipolar 1. This type of manic episode is called hypomania.
- A significant episode of depression either before or after a manic episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder
You may be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder if you experience the following symptoms:
- Hypomania and depression that has lasted for 2 years or more
Bipolar 1 and 2 are the most prevalent, with bipolar 1 being characterized by more pronounced severity.
Bipolar Disorder Can Be Treated
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it can be managed with the right treatment plans and support. Some of the available treatments for your condition include:
Medicine
Your doctor can prescribe several medications to help balance your moods, including:
- Mood stabilizes
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medicines or a combination of any of the medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is one of the key components in alleviating symptoms of bipolar disorder, and it’s often offered in individual, family, or group settings to best meet individual needs. Some of the types of therapy to help manage your symptoms include:
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychoeducation
- Family-focused therapy
Help Is a Call Away
Dealing with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder can be devastating for those living with the condition and their families. Their dynamic moods and behaviors can impact their quality of life and affect everyone around them, including friends and close family. Seeking help is the first step to finding relief from the condition. If you are not sure how to begin your therapy without insurance, PTSD hotlines are invaluable resources. The National Mental Health Hotline is an excellent place to start. Call 866-903-3787 now.