How Do I Balance the Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder sufferers can manage the ups and downs of their condition with discipline, proper nutrition and adequate support. Individuals who suffer from the condition experience extreme mood changes, ranging from depression to manic episodes--an extended ill-tempered mood, sometimes accompanied with a decreased need for sleep, which could lead to feelings of sadness, helplessness and thoughts of death or suicide. Most bipolar disorder symptoms are manageable and, with the proper plan, sufferers can often prevent extended episodes of mania or depression.

Instructions

• 1

  Take medication as your doctor prescribes. When taken properly, your medicine can help you remain free of manic episodes or reduce their severity should they occur. If you do not follow your doctor's instructions, your condition will continuously worsen, which could cause you to experience more frequent and intense manic episodes when you could hurt yourself or someone else.

• 2

  Avoid foods with high sugar content and processed meats. Eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Eating healthily lowers the risk of experiencing major manic depression episodes.

• 3

  Avoid alcohol, tobacco products and illegal substances. Over 50 percent of people suffering from bipolar disorder attempt to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Mixing bipolar disorder with substance abuse never results in a positive outcome. Even one glass of wine could affect your medication, mood or sleep pattern, triggering a manic episode.

• 4

  Join a support group to surround yourself with other bipolar disorder sufferers to help provide an outlet when you experience manic episodes or have trouble managing your condition. Recovering alcoholics, over-eaters, substance abusers and many more recoveries of certain conditions have support groups. Find your local Depression and Bipolar Support Association to engage in solidarity with other sufferers and stay on the recovery track.

• 5

  Reduce work and home stress and schedule time to engage in social activities. Biochemical abnormalities makes bipolar disorder sufferers more vulnerable and sensitive to emotional and physical stress, and upsetting life experiences can trigger manic episodes. Use mood stabilizers, if prescribed by your doctor, to help prevent anxiety. Avoid stressful situations.