European Holistic Bipolar Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a condition that can send the patient to extreme highs and lows in terms of mental health. Anxiety, depression and excessive mood swings are some of the general symptoms of bipolar disorder. The treatments do vary and can involve therapy, drugs, ECT and even hospitalization. Certain alternative therapies have also been accepted by institutions such as the Mayo Clinic as helpful in addition to more conventional treatment.

Exercise

• Holistic approaches to treating bipolar disorders are meant to help the current treatment plan the patient is on, not to act as a replacement. Of the many holistic approaches recommended, exercise is one of the most common. Regular exercise offers a few advantages. It releases endorphins that produce a positive effect in the body. Exercise also reduces the build up of cortisol, a stress hormone that builds up in the adrenal glands.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

• The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs for those that suffer from bipolar disorder. Alcohol is a depressant and can have negative effects on anyone's mood. The effects can be far worse for someone suffering from bipolar disorder.

Meditation

• Meditation can help calm the body and focus thoughts. According to Newsweek, meditation can also help balance the activity in the brain, helping to reduce anxiety and bring forward rational thought. Just practicing for ten minutes per day, and increasing gradually, can help reduce stress and relax the mind.

Vitamins and Natural Food Supplements

• Some benefits can be gained from food supplements. Omega 3 fish oil is said to bring about positive effects for the bipolar patient in that it helps alleviate stress. Coconut milk has also been used to sooth stomach discomfort during the high stress periods of this disorder. These remedies do not work for everyone and both the Mayo Clinic and The National Institutes of Health state that the bipolar patient must inform their doctor as to which alternative therapies they are trying.

Enjoy the Sun

• Bipolar patients seem to be affected by the change of the seasons to a much greater extent then everyone else. The lack of sunlight and the cold can worsen the depression phases of the disorder. Getting outside and enjoying the sun can help reverse this effect. Sunlight helps to raise the serotonin levels in the body, which is one of the main neurotransmitters in charge of moods. Keeping these levels up helps reduce the effects of depression and can reduce insomnia. When sunlight isn't available using a full spectrum light bulb can help.