Tips on Bipolar Dirorder

Bipolar disorder is considered a recurrent condition; it is common for those diagnosed to relapse, but this does not mean they cannot still lead full and productive lives. Aside from medical treatment, there are a variety of things you can do to help yourself overcome the mood swings that disrupt your life. You must first be willing to learn about your diagnosis and take the time to participate in your treatment.

Understand Your Diagnosis

• Once you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it is vital for you to fully grasp what this disorder is and how it is treated. The more you educate yourself, the better equipped you are to cope with your condition.

  An excellent book to read is, "Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families," by Dr. Francis Mondimore, MD. In his book, Dr. Mondimore explains everything from the disorder itself to the side effects of the treatment medications and how to avoid them. He is also honest, explaining the emotional ups and downs you can expect as you live with bipolar disorder.

Participate in Your Treatment

• Now that you know what your disorder is and the treatment options available to you, participate actively in the planning of your treatment. Do not be afraid to question your doctor or voice your opinion about a specific medication. Remember, you have to live with the side effects.

  You must also, without fail, take your medication each day as prescribed. Even if you feel as though you are better, stopping your medication could have serious repercussions and cause you to relapse. Consult your doctor before making any changes which could be detrimental.

  Patience is perhaps the largest piece of the puzzle in your treatment. It may take weeks or months before you and your doctor find the right treatment plan for you; it will not happen overnight.

Join a Support Group

• You are sure to have days when you feel sad or depressed; this is part of the disorder. For this reason it is important to have a strong circle of support, whether that be friends or family, who will be there for you to talk to at a moment's notice. It is also a good idea to surround yourself with upbeat people; they may have the ability to lift your spirits rather than make you more depressed than you may already be.

  Joining a support group for those with bipolar disorder is another option to consider. While your friends and family can provide you with the emotional support you need in a pinch, they may not always understand what you are going through and how you feel. Surrounding yourself with others experiencing the same problems can be comforting and make you feel less isolated.

Monitor Your Moods

• Knowing what triggers an episode of mania or depression can often help you stop the episode before it takes over completely. Creating a mood chart can help you do this. On your chart list the date, your mood and what happened just prior to your mood changing. You should also list the season, your sleeping pattern and any event that has taken place that day, such as a confrontation at work or receiving good news in the mail. After two or three weeks, you will begin to notice that specific events have an impact on your mood; this will help you avoid these events or devise a plan to change your mood once you notice it begin to change.

Keep a Routine

• Devise a strict daily routine and stick with it each day. For instance, too much or too little sleep can cause a manic or depressed episode. Once you know how much rest you need, set a specific bedtime and set your alarm for exactly eight hours later; this ensures you are getting the rest you need.

  Incorporate exercise into your day without fail. This can help you release built up stress and aggravation, preventing a depressed episode from taking place.

  Finally, maintain your routine no matter what. Eat at the same time each day, take the same route to work and set time aside for relaxation. This structure can help prevent mood swings from occurring because you know what to expect and when to expect it.