How to Overcome Bipolar Personality Changes

Abnormalities of brain chemistry and neuronal activity are responsible for mood shifts, from deep dark depressions to energetic highs, associated with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Bipolar disorder runs the gamut from mild and intermittent to severe, with rapid cycling. Accompanying personality changes--including sadness, despair, hyperactivity, irritability, loss of judgment, intolerance and rage--can be devastating to relationships and may make work impossible. If a bipolar individual is committed to being responsible, there are some self-care strategies that may help.

Instructions

Practice Good Self-Care

• 1

  Get sufficient, regular sleep. If you're not sleeping enough, you're more likely to become manic or hypomanic. Even staying awake for a late movie can throw a bipolar person off track and precipitate extreme personality changes.

• 2

  Consult a physician. Bipolar disorder is difficult and sometimes impossible to alleviate with natural remedies; medication may be needed. Be aware that it is extremely dangerous to stop taking your medication.

• 3

  Get screened for related health problems. Many other conditions may coexist with bipolar disorder; these include celiac disease or gluten intolerance, premenstrual syndrome, hypothyroidism, or histamine imbalance. Correcting nutrient deficiencies, balancing hormones and avoiding irritating substances can make episodes less severe. Some co-occuring conditions may be difficult to diagnose. Naturopaths can test for and treat many sub-clinical disorders.

• 4

  Curb your intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and junk food. Caffeine can increase anxiety, alcohol can impair brain function, and tobacco can make your body less able to respond to stress.

• 5

  Try a whole foods diet high in plant fiber and high quality proteins. Foods such as tofu, quinoa, brown rice, squash, celery, red bell peppers, broccoli and dark, leafy greens can help the body and mind deal with stress.

• 6

  Eat plenty of wild-caught cold-water fish or take fish oil supplements. Studies have suggested that the Omega-3 fatty acids in these sources may promote longer periods of stable mood. Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and edible blue-green algae such as spirulina. When buying fish oil supplements, make sure the label states that the product is free of hexane, mercury or other pollutants.

• 7

  Exercise. It doesn't take much; a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps stabilize mood and improves overall health.