Springbrook Behavioral Hospital

Question 1

Will I be allowed to smoke while I am in the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is not permitted in the building, but a secure, outside smoking area is available for patients who can safely participate in scheduled smoke breaks.  Fresh air breaks are also provided for patients that don't smoke.

Question 2

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

* ID and insurance cards. * 4-5 changes of casual clothing and undergarments and a light jacket or sweater.  No drawstrings.  We have laundry supplies available to launder items. * Shoes with no laces (comfortable slip-ons are preferable), shower shoes.   Shoes should be weather appropriate.  Shoe laces are not permitted on the unit unless there is a doctor's order. * Toiletry items such as a comb, brush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.  Mouthwash needs to alcohol free and perfume, cologne or aftershave are not allowed. * Do not bring your home medications, but bring a list of what medicines you are taking and the name of your pharmacy. * Tobacco products must be unopened and will be kept at nurses station.  Lighters and matches are prohibited. * Disposable razors are provided for patients. * Everything brought in is searched and inventoried by staff. * Cigarettes, toiletries and clothing items may be dropped off by family members or friends during the hours that our front lobby is open, which is from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. * All valuables are locked in a safe until discharge. This includes, phones, money, credit cards, ID, etc.

Question 3

What is bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar is short for bipolar disorder, a psychiatric condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, significantly affecting a person's life. It's divided into several types, primarily Bipolar I and Bipolar II, which differ in the severity of the manic episodes but both involve depressive episodes.

Question 4

What is bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, which includes emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These fluctuations can significantly impact a person's sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. The disorder can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender, and requires medical diagnosis and treatment for management.

Question 5

What is bipolar disease?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disease, another term for bipolar disorder, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior. People with the condition can lead productive lives with the right treatment plan, which often includes medication and psychotherapy.

Question 6

What is bipolar depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar depression refers to the depressive phases in bipolar disorder, where individuals feel persistently sad, hopeless, or indifferent, often with a lack of energy and motivation. This phase can be debilitating and is distinct from regular depression because it alternates with episodes of mania or hypomania.

Question 7

What is a bipolar person like?

Accepted Answer

A person with bipolar disorder can have periods of great enthusiasm, creativity, and energy during manic phases, and then experience times of deep sadness and withdrawal during depressive episodes. Their behavior can vary widely depending on their mood state, but with effective treatment, they can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Question 8

What causes bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry. Risk factors include a family history of bipolar disorder, high levels of stress, and significant life changes. Research continues to explore the intricate causes.

Question 9

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include intense emotional states such as high energy and activity levels during manic episodes, and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest during depressive episodes. Other symptoms can encompass changes in sleep patterns, unusual behaviors, and difficulty in concentrating.

Question 10

Is bipolar 1 or 2 more intense?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I is generally considered more intense due to the severity of the manic episodes, which can be extreme and require hospitalization. Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes that are less severe than full mania but can still have significant impacts on a person's life. However, both can be equally disruptive and challenging in different ways.

Question 11

How long will I need to be in treatment?

Accepted Answer

Each patient's situation is unique, so each treatment plan is individualized to each patient's needs.  Our physicians and the treatment team work collaboratively with each patient and family to decide on a course and length of treatment, which typically ranges to a few days to a few weeks.

Question 12

How can I tell if someone is bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Identifying if someone is bipolar requires noticing patterns of extreme mood changes. Look for periods of unusually intense activity, risk-taking, or euphoria (mania), as well as times of significant withdrawal, lack of interest, or prolonged sadness (depression). Diagnosis should be left to mental health professionals who can assess and provide appropriate care.

Question 13

How a person with bipolar thinks?

Accepted Answer

A person with bipolar disorder may experience thought patterns that are influenced by their mood swings. During manic phases, thoughts can be grandiose and racing, while depressive episodes may bring about negative, hopeless thoughts. Their thinking can vary significantly from their baseline when they are not experiencing mania or depression.

Question 14

Can a person with bipolar live a normal life?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a person with bipolar disorder can live a normal life with the right treatment, which typically includes medication and psychotherapy. Many individuals with bipolar disorder have successful careers, stable relationships, and active social lives. Ongoing management and support are key to maintaining balance and well-being.

Question 15

Am I bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Wondering “Am I bipolar?” may arise from recognizing in oneself the symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as severe mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, and behavior. A proper diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional through comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Question 16

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

Intensive Treatment Service and Adult Psychiatric Service. Wednesday - 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM, Weekends - 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Eclipse Program: Wednesday - 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Weekends - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Older Adult Unit: Wednesday - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Thursday - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Weekends - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Visits are supervised. Visitors cannot bring food, drinks, medications, cell phones or weapons into the facility. Visitors should leave handbags in their vehicle. Any items brought in by visitors will be searched.  Items brought in for patients will logged in by the receptionist and brought to the unit by staff. Children under age 18 need a Doctor’s Order for visitation and are limited to 15 minutes and monitored by staff.

Question 17

What does bipolar mean?

Accepted Answer

The term 'bipolar' denotes the two extreme poles of mood experienced by individuals with the disorder: the highs of mania and the lows of depression. It's a descriptor for a mental health condition where these mood swings are pronounced and disruptive to daily living, and it contrasts with the typical ups and downs that everyone experiences.

Question 18

What is manic bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Manic bipolar refers to Bipolar I disorder characterized by manic episodes that last at least a week or are severe enough to require hospitalization. During these periods, individuals may feel overly euphoric, full of energy, or irritable, and may engage in risky behaviors, with these episodes often followed by depressive periods.

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Below, please find our FAQs to the most common questions we receive at Springbrook Behavioral Hospital.

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