How to Survive a Bipolar Mixed Episode

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of either depression, mania or mixed states, in which the bipolar patient demonstrates symptoms of both mania and depression. A bipolar mixed episode affects the patient's ability to function in everyday life, such as engaging in social activities. These episodes may even result in the patient's hospitalization. Bipolar disorder always requires close management by a health care professional, but you can use some tips to help you, a family member or loved one cope during a mixed episode.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your health care provider. She is familiar with your history, including the medications you take, and may be able to tell just by speaking to you over the phone whether you need your medications adjusted or a more serious intervention.

• 2

  Report any suicidal thoughts immediately. If you can't reach your doctor, call the nearest crisis intervention center or go to the emergency room immediately. Patients experiencing mixed episodes are at a greater risk for attempting suicide than other bipolar patients, according to Dr. Jan A. Fawcett in an interview on the website of the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression.

• 3

  Continue taking your medications as scheduled until your doctor has a chance to assess their efficacy and determine whether an adjustment or change in medication is needed.

• 4

  Try to maintain your usual eating habits and daily activities to the greatest extent possible. During a mixed state, it can be tempting to neglect eating or to overeat. Sleeping too much can also seem preferable to remaining awake while you are buffeted by your emotions. Generally, though, abandoning your normal habits will only result in exacerbating the mixed state. Ask friends or family members to help you with chores such as dog walking, cooking or cleaning if the mixed state is keeping you from doing these things.

• 5

  Stay in touch with the outside world, whether it be friends, family members or both. It is tempting to cut yourself off from people who care about you during a mixed state, either because your mind is racing so much that you don't know what to say or because you are so depressed that you believe no one will care.

• 6

  Do something you enjoy. If you are having trouble functioning, take frequent breaks or, if possible, take a day off from work to do something you enjoy, such as a walk in the park, reading, gardening or some other hobby.