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World Bipolar Day

Each year bipolar disorder is celebrated world-wide on March 30th as a method to raise awareness of this disorder along with supporting those who are affected by this disorder.
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micheile visual stories XpYxzlbqFZk unsplashEach year bipolar disorder is celebrated world-wide on March 30th as a method to raise awareness of this disorder along with supporting those who are affected by this disorder. Mental illness has historically been negatively stigmatized by media and the spread of incorrect information, and bipolar disorder has frequently been misunderstood. The best way to end the spread of misinformation and stigma behind bipolar disorder, or any other disorder, is by understanding what it is and how it affects those who have it.

Individuals with bipolar disorder may experience significant changes in their moods which usually manifest as emotional highs, such as mania, and lows, such as depression. Depending on the individual, and their specific diagnosis, these mood changes may differ and be more pronounced for some individuals than others. In a manic state, individuals may experience increased activity levels, self-confidence, poor decision making, talkativeness, and racing thoughts. When in a depressed state, they may experience loss of interest in activities, insomnia or oversleeping, loss of energy, inability to concentrate, and feelings of worthlessness and sadness. In extreme situations, these depressive episodes may also influence an individual to have feelings of suicidal ideation. Importantly, not every individual with bipolar disorder experiences all of the same symptoms.

How does one get bipolar disorder? Although the exact cause is not known, there are certain factors that can predispose an individual to this disorder. If an individual has a close relative with bipolar disorder, their chances are increased due to their genetics. Additionally, biological changes in an individual’s brain as it develops may also play a role in this disorder. Both women and men are equally likely to get this disorder, but their symptoms may differ.

There are many treatments for bipolar disorder. Typically, these treatments are combined in order to have the strongest effect. Some of these treatments include medication such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medicines. Additionally, many individuals use psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes, such as exercising, having an eating and sleeping schedule, and not using alcohol or recreational drugs.

Many individuals with bipolar feel as if they have been isolated by this disorder because of how they and their symptoms are misunderstood. Many individuals have their mood swings dismissed or categorized as an emotional issue that the individual is unable to control rather than a disorder, leaving them to go through a wave of mania or depression on their own. By educating yourself about different mental disorders, how they manifest, and how they impact those dealing with them, you can help eliminate the stigmas behind these disorders and pave the way for more opportunities for those who have been previously shamed or excluded. 

– Haidyn Emmerich
Nourish Your Mind Blog Contributor
Neuroscience & Psychology Student – Syracuse University
Need support for bipolar for yourself or a family member? We’re here for you. Start your therapeutic journey with us today. 
Reach out via call or text (845) 547-0479, email [email protected] or visit NourishYourMind.com/Appointment

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BIO

Cameryn (Cam) received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College. Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, she worked in private practice, primarily serving children, teens, and their families. During this time, she developed a passion for helping clients navigate their unique challenges through the transformative power of play and expressive arts therapy. Cam believes that every individual deserves a safe, nurturing space where they can authentically express themselves. She is dedicated to empowering her clients by identifying and utilizing their inherent strengths to help them achieve their personal goals.

In her therapeutic approach, Cam integrates a holistic wellness model with strengths- and mindfulness-based methods. She employs a variety of evidence-based techniques, including DBT and Nondirective Play Therapy, and she recognizes the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual and family.

When she’s not in the office, Cam enjoys reading, traveling, weight-lifting, and immersing herself in music and films. She also values spending quality time with friends, family, and her cats.

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, Marist College
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY Geneseo
  • Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Brianna earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Siena College and her Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. Throughout her education and early career, she worked with at-risk adolescents experiencing trauma and maladaptive coping as both a clinician and crisis interventionist. She later spent several years in emergency services, specializing in trauma-informed care for adolescents and adults. Brianna has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

Brianna takes a strength-based, integrative approach to therapy, empowering clients to discover their own path toward healing and self-acceptance. She believes that while we cannot change the past, we can change our relationship with it. She is passionate about helping clients develop effective coping skills, reconnect with their inner resilience, and build lives that extend beyond surviving trauma.

Brianna believes healing is not only a journey of the mind, but a whole-body experience. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and thoughtfully incorporates mind-body practices into therapy to support nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and emotional awareness. She is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based trauma treatment that helps clients process distressing experiences, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), offering a holistic approach for individuals seeking deeper healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By integrating traditional psychotherapy with somatic approaches and specialized trauma treatments, Brianna helps clients create lasting, meaningful change.

Above all, Brianna is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with their truest selves.

Brianna resides in Orange County with her two rescue huskies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, painting, practicing yoga, and cooking while surrounded by music, friends, and family.

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New York
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University RYT-200
  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Certified, Journey Clinical
  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy Trained, Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Ashley received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. While attending her graduate program, Ashley worked as a supervisor at a Crisis Intervention Program and interned at an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, gaining valuable skills in crisis management and group therapy. Before joining Nourish Counseling, she spent several years working in a long-term outpatient care clinic specializing in children, adolescents and their families. Ashley has expertise in partnering with those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.

Ashley believes that each client is their own expert. She provides an integrative approach that focuses on both the thoughts and behaviors her clients may be struggling with in order to help them find balance and build resiliency. She works with clients in a person-centered and skill building approach to help determine and reach their own individual goals. Following a Dialectical Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, she encourages and supports clients to reach their full potential.

Ashley lives in Middletown, NY with her husband and a very loved dog. She enjoys family time, cooking, and trying new things whenever possible.

  • American Counseling Association
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Amanda is a Certified Clinicial Trauma Professional with a deep commitment to guiding clients through their healing and discovery. She believes that you are the expert of your own life, and she is dedicated to building a safe, collaborative space where you feel both validated and motivated for change. 

Amanda specializes in treating those with Complex Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety and Depression, Chronic Illness, Infertility, Infant/Pregnancy Loss, Women’s Health and Neurodivergent Disorders. She works with individuals aged 5 and up. 

Amanda’s unique, holistic approach to psychothreapy is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to fit your specific clinical needs. She seamlessly integrates practices like mindfulness and meditation with powerful theraputic modalities, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. 

After gaining experience in Baltimore – including intensive work in Residential Foster Care and as a Medical Social Worker – Amanda has been settled back in her home, the Hudson Valley. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She has journeyed with cleints for nearly 5 years at Nourish and is now ready to partner with you!

  • Cornwall Office
  • Middletown Office