Bipolar Disorder

What bipolar disorder is, why it needs specialized care, and where to get it in Florida

Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Is This Something Else? →

“I go from not sleeping for days to not getting out of bed.”

“I made decisions I’d never make, and I couldn’t stop.”

“My husband’s moods swing so hard I don’t know who I’ll come home to.”

In a crisis: call or text 988 (press 2 for Spanish). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

I don’t treat bipolar disorder directly, and here’s why

I want to be honest with you. I don’t treat bipolar disorder directly. If your symptoms are stable and a specialist is treating you, I can see you, your partner or your family for couples or family therapy. If symptoms are active right now, you’ll usually need a higher level of care first, and I’ll help you find it.

It usually needs a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, because medication is often a key part of care. It also does best with a team that specializes in it.

You deserve that kind of care. This page is here to help you find it.

What bipolar disorder is

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that causes big shifts in mood, energy and activity.

Mania or hypomania can bring very high energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, fast talking, big plans, and risky choices with money, sex or substances.

Depression can bring deep sadness, exhaustion, hopelessness and thoughts of death.

It is treatable. Many people with bipolar disorder live full, stable lives with the right care.

Get help right away if

• Someone hasn’t slept for days and is getting more wound up
• Someone is spending, driving or acting in ways that put them at risk
• Someone is hearing or seeing things others don’t, or believes things that aren’t real
• Someone talks about suicide or wanting to die

Call or text 988, call 911, or go to an emergency room.

Where to go in Florida

• Your primary care doctor can do a first check and refer you to a psychiatrist.
• A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can diagnose and manage medication.
• Your insurance company can give you a list of in-network psychiatric providers.
• Your local community mental health center often offers psychiatry, especially if cost is a barrier.
• FindTreatment.gov or the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7, English and Spanish) can help you find services.
• NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offer education and peer support.

For partners and families

Loving someone with bipolar disorder can be confusing and exhausting. You may feel like you’re living with two different people.

Learning about the illness, spotting early warning signs together, and making a plan for hard times can help everyone.

While your loved one gets specialized care, I can support you as a partner or family member: your stress, your boundaries, and how to stay connected without losing yourself.

If conflict at home includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one person controlling another’s money, phone or movements, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see you if I have bipolar disorder?

I don’t treat bipolar disorder directly. If your symptoms are stable and a specialist is treating you, I can see you, your partner or your family for couples or family therapy. If symptoms are active right now, you’ll usually need a higher level of care first, and I’ll help you find it.

My partner has bipolar disorder. Can you help me?

Yes, I can work with you on how it affects you and your relationship, while your partner gets care from a specialist.

Related reading: High-Functioning Depression · Couples Therapy · Psychosis