Bipolar Disorder Coping Strategies

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by fluctuation in mood from depression to mania. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression symptoms include feelings of emptiness, apathy, fatigue or suicidal thoughts, while mania can be identified by an expansive mood, racing thoughts or reckless behavior. People with bipolar often have difficulty organizing their lives and may feel misunderstood by friends and family. However, by utilizing a variety of interventions, bipolar sufferers can maintain a stable mood and be personally and professionally successful.

Comply with Medication

• Bipolar disorder has a strong biological component. According to Padma Catell, PhD, suicide rates are 30 times greater for individuals with bipolar disorder who do not seek treatment compared to the general population. Mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants and certain antipsychotics are all different medications approved for treating bipolar. It is important to find a psychiatrist you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and side effect concerns with. The number one reason why bipolar patients are repeatedly admitted into mental hospitals, often against their will, is because of an abrupt termination of medication.

Track Your Mood

• Full-blown depressive or manic episodes can be prevented if early symptoms are monitored and treated. Keep a diary of your mood. Use a bipolar or cognitive behavioral workbook, such as the New Handbook of Cognitive Therapy Techniques by Riam E. McMullin, to separate your thoughts from your emotions. Be aware of what your natural emotional baseline is. Ask a close friend or family member to tell you if they notice any unusual changes in your mood. If you notice an abrupt change, call your psychiatrist immediately.

Take Care of Your Body

• Stress can be a significant trigger for emotional problems. Nami.org recommends exercise, a regular sleep cycle and a balanced, nutritional diet to help maintain a balanced mood. Avoid sugar and caffeine and pay close attention to how your body reacts to different foods.

Use Grounding Techniques

• Grounding is a therapeutic technique that can be used in any situation to bring a person's attention away from upsetting or overstimulating situations. Grounding can involve visually focusing on a specific object in a room, focusing on the feeling of your feet on the floor, or mentally taking note of the sounds in a room. Grounding is meant to distract a person from becoming overstimulated and can be helpful in managing manic symptoms. More information on grounding is also available in cognitive-behavioral therapy workbooks, such as McMullin's.

Talk to Someone

• Find a friend or family member who is willing to learn about your disease and who can offer support. Nami.org suggests joining a support group for people with bipolar disorder or find a therapist you feel comfortable with and supported by. Creating a supportive network will reduce stress and isolation and will help you in managing your disease.