Will Consistency Help Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

consistencyIt is common for people to have emotional highs and lows caused by everyday stress.  However, there are some people who suffer from a severe mental illness known as bipolar disorder in which sudden shifts in mood and energy may be seen on a regular basis (1).  These mood swings can negatively affect a person’s home life as well as his career if they are not controlled as well as possible.  However, as with most mental illnesses, having a consistent routine can ease the symptoms and make the disorder easier to handle.  There are 3 areas of consistency that should be met.

1. Be consistent in your treatment. There are many treatments that can be used for bipolar disorder.  Some people are capable of coping with it on their own while others may need the help of a therapist or need to take medication to provide a balance (1).  No matter which one you choose, however, it is important to be consistent in your treatment.

For example, once you find a good therapist, stick with him so that you become comfortable talking to him.  Once you find a medicinal regimen that is providing relief, continue taking the same type and amount; switching medicines can also mean suffering from different side effects.  Constantly looking for new doctors or trying new medicines is going to cause even more stress for a person with bipolar disorder.

2. Be consistent in your daily routine. A person who knows what to expect on a daily basis will be able to cope better with bipolar disorder, according to the American Psychological Association. (2).  A daily and weekly routine should consist of schedules for many things, such as work, school, errands, exercise, sleep, relaxation, etc.

For example, try to eat each meal and snack around the same time each day, and choose your foods wisely to keep your body and mind regulated.  Even if that means taking a break at work to replenish your body, it is important to stay consistent.  As part of your routine, you can even do your best to control how much time is spent with certain people.  Having a routine of daily activities will prevent unexpected circumstances, which can easily trigger a reaction in someone with bipolar disorder.

3. Be consistent in your sleep. Getting enough sleep has been shown to provide relief from many physical and mental ailments, and the same is true with bipolar disorder.  Sleep deprivation can increase the effects of bipolar disease in many ways.

First, the overall quality of life is lessened, which can cause more depression and stress.  Second, sleep deprivation can increase the chances of a relapse in a person who has the disorder under control.  Third, cognitive functions are greatly affected by a person’s sleep habits, and this is especially true in those that suffer from a mental illness.  If you are having trouble getting enough sleep, you can make adjustments to your diet and physical activity and see if that helps (3).

Routines and consistency are beneficial to everyone, but this is particularly true for those with bipolar disorder.  If you are struggling to control your symptoms, sticking to a routine may be just what you need.

Mark D. Parisi, Psy.D. & Associates, P.C. provides counseling, psychological testing, and psychotropic medication management in Mount Prospect and Chicago – serving surrounding Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties. They accept most insurance and offer extremely affordable sliding scale rates. Call (847) 909-9858 for a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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Sources:
1. What is Bipolar Disorder? Definition and treatments, 2015, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
2. Consistent Routines May Ease Bipolar Disorder, Importance of daily routines, 2008, http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb08/consistent.aspx
3. Sleep Disturbance in Bipolar Disorder, Importance of sleep, 2009, http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb08/consistent.aspx

Tom Naratadam, Psy.D., LCPC

Hi and thank you for choosing me!  Please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Dr. Tom Naratadam.  I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and both my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Masters Degree in School Psychology (Ed.S.) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  I completed my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) certification in Illinois in 2015.  My professional work experience is diverse and includes work in multiple settings including residential, inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, group private practice, and school-settings throughout the Metro Chicagoland area.

I have worked as an outpatient provider with Dr. Mark Parisi since 2010. In addition to my work with Dr. Parisi and Home Psych Services, P.C., I have worked as a bilingual school psychologist at the Chicago Public Schools – performing extensive diagnostic testing and spearheading group therapy with children and adolescents – and more recently in the private school systems.

I have expertise working in multicultural populations and have conducted numerous workshops on cross-cultural issues related to the Latino and Asian-Indian cultures. My experience also includes several years of assessing and working with children and adolescents who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Conduct and Mood Disorders, and issues related to adolescent sexuality and identity.  I provide in-office and teletherapy services for Generations and Home Psych Services using secure video teleconferencing technology for the comfort, convenience, added privacy and safety of my clients.

I am proud of his Asian-Indian heritage. I enjoy traveling, enjoying Chicago’s wide array of restaurants, and spending time with his family and friends. I am a non-native speaker of Spanish and have excellent fluency.

7 Bipolar Self-Help Tips

Posted on by Dr. Mark Parisi

If you were recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or even dealing with it for a while now, Dr. Parisi and his team of affordable counselors in Chicago have some tips to help you (or you help your loved one) better deal with the diagnosis. Our low cost physiologists can also help you with more personal treatment in Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.

  1. Take ownership of your illness. Our affordable psychologists are not saying it is your fault that you have bipolar disorder, but we ask that you take responsibility to get help, work toward a healthier lifestyle, and follow your treatment prescribed by one of our Chicago counselors.
  2. Take control of your lifestyle. Most likely, medications are going to need to be taken daily and you must be consistent. Don’t drink alcohol and avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. You are going to have to make life changes to make your treatment plan a success. There are many options for counseling in Chicago that can help with this.
  3. Sleep. Sleep deprivation can greatly impact your mood. You will need to shoot for seven to eight hours of good sleep a night to make sure you are at you best.
  4. Minimize stress. We all have stressors in our life, but you should learn better coping techniques to make sure these little stressors don’t become major problems. Your affordable counselor can help you find strategies that work for you.
  5. Your Chicago therapist is there to help. This is a big one. Your affordable Chicago counselor can provide you better support when you are consistent and honest. Make and keep your regularly prescribed appointments and use your time together to better your treatment plant. Don’t make changes without talking to your psychologist first.
  6. Gain and share knowledge. Educate yourself on your disorder and share what you learn with those around you. The more you and others around you know about what is going on inside your body, the better you all will be equipped to keep it under control. An affordable psychologist at Dr. Parisi and Associates can help you find reliable sources.
  7. Use your support system. Hiding this from your friends and family (don’t forget your therapist) is not going to help and more than likely will end up hurting relationships. Be honest and let them know when and how they can help you, even if sometimes that means you just need them to back off for a while. Use the support you have will making coping with the disorder easier for everyone.

Remembering all these tips isn’t always the easiest thing when you are in different mood cycles. It is important to let those in your support system be a part of your treatment plan, so they can help you feel your best.

Contact our affordable psychologists or psychiatrists in Chicago or one of our behavioral therapy specialists in Chicago the surrounding area including Mt. Prospect and Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.