How to Live With Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depression, people who live with bipolar disorder experience drastic swings from one emotional extreme to the other, often with little reason or warning. While it is a manageable condition, it can develop into a serious and debilitating illness, especially if left untreated. Read on to learn how to live with bipolar disorder.

Things You'll Need

• Psychiatrist
• Clinical psychologist

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Learn all you can about how to live with bipolar disorder. While your psychiatrist or clinical psychologist is sure to explain your condition along with your treatment options, these explanations may not be delivered in the kind of language you fully understand. The National Institute of Mental Health has plenty of resources that can help you learn more about how to live with bipolar disorder. See the Resources section below for a link.

• 2

  Be vigilant about adhering to your treatment regimen. It is important to keep up your prescribed schedule when taking medications for bipolar disorder, even if you are feeling well. Otherwise, you risk recurrence or worsening of your symptoms.

• 3

  Avoid drinking alcohol and stimulant drugs, which are particularly notorious for triggering episodes of bipolar disorder, even while medicated. Keep in mind that stimulants are commonly included as part of dietary supplements and over the counter remedies, so it is best to avoid these as well.

• 4

  Work with your doctor to identify a pattern in your outbreaks of manic depression. If you know what triggers your episodes, you can ask friends or family members to watch for warning signs. If you feel an episode looming, contact your doctor.

• 5

  Understand that any medications you are taking to treat your bipolar disorder may conflict with drugs used to fight other conditions that you may have. You should always check with your psychiatrist, or the doctor overseeing pharmaceutical treatment of your bipolar disorder, before taking any other prescription drugs.

• 6

  Create a support network. Involve not only your doctor, but also your family, friends and a support group in helping you overcome your bipolar disorder. Having a support group is essential to people who feel they're suffering alone. Difficult conditions are best fought with the help of others. Ask your doctor to recommend a support group in your community.