How to Deal With Bipolar Personality

Roughly 5.7 million adults in the United States are affected by bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is a serious condition; one in five patients with bipolar disorder will commit suicide. Dealing effectively with your bipolar personality is a critical step in overcoming the disorder and living a long and happy life.

Instructions

• 1

  Take personal responsibility. People with bipolar disorder have limited control over their moods, intellectual processes, and energy. Therefore, it can be tempting to throw up your hands and deny all personal responsibility for the disorder. However, only you can take control of your disorder. This may include asking help from others, taking medication as prescribed, keeping in touch with your health care providers, and learning about the illness so that you can make informed decisions.

• 2

  Develop a daily routine and stick to it. According to an article published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, disruption in routine increases the risk for recurrence of the manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Your daily routine should include set times for sleeping, eating, exercising, working and relaxing. The people at helpguide.org recommend several tips for stabilizing your sleep routine, including going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding naps, avoiding exercise and other stimulating activities late in the day and avoiding caffeine after lunch and alcohol at night.

• 3

  Reduce the risk of potential stress. Similar to disruption of routine, stress can increase the risk for recurrence of manic and depressive episodes. Reducing the risk or potential stress can be as simple as learning to relax. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga can be beneficial to those suffering from bipolar disorder. Additionally, be sure to make time for yourself. Just because you are suffering from bipolar disorder, does not mean you are not allowed to have fun. Take the time to go to a movie or read a book just because you find it enjoyable.

• 4

  Develop an emergency action plan. No matter how hard you work to avoid manic and depressive episodes, there may be times when you experience these episodes. Consequently, you should prepare for these occurrences ahead of time. The people at Heathguide.org recommend including the following things in your emergency action plan: a list of emergency contacts (doctor, close family members), a list of all medications you are taking and any other health problems you may have and treatment preferences (including who is authorized to make decisions on your behalf).