MHA of Rockland Offers Help For People With Bipolar Disorders

From MHA Rockland: More than 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorder. This illness causes unusual shifts in mood, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. While this is a lifelong disorder, many people can be helped with treatment.

“Without help, people with bipolar disorder can find themselves isolated, struggling to maintain employment, without friends and at high risk of suicide,” said Sonia Wagner, Executive Vice President, of the Mental Health Association of Rockland County (MHA of Rockland). “Fortunately, there is effective treatment for bipolar disorder so that people can lead entirely full and rewarding lives.”

Wagner explained that bipolar disorder is an illness that creates sudden shifts in mood and energy. People may experience intense “highs” (manic episodes) followed by extreme “lows” (depressive episodes). Manic episodes may include having enormous bursts of energy, staying up all night, talking very fast about a huge range of subjects, going on expensive shopping sprees and engaging in risky sex. While in a manic state, a person might experience a sense of euphoria or be highly agitated and irritable. In a depressive state, one is likely to feel extremely sad and empty, be unable to enjoy their hobbies, and feel very tired.

MHA of Rockland offers a program that can help people with bipolar disorders. It is strongly endorsed by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) program helps people regain control over their lives through a wide range of classes. The topics include “real life” areas of interest, such as dating, basic living skills, employment, managing symptoms and preventing relapse. One-on-one meetings with clinicians is also an important component. People may also be prescribed medication within the PROS program or through an outside prescriber.

Every effort is made to welcome people in need regardless of their means, so a sliding scale fee is offered to those who do not have Medicaid.

For more information on bipolar disorders or MHA Rockland services, please visit www.mharockland.org or call MHA’s Client and Family Advocate 845-267-2172, x296.

PHOTO/ MFA of Rockland