Living With Bipolar

Everyone has their days when they are feeling down; days when all they want to do is stay in bed and cry until there are no tears left to fall. However, there are a certain number of people who experience this feeling on a regular basis with one exception: It can lead to thoughts of suicide and may be followed with episodes of extreme happiness. These emotional highs and lows are how Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed. Though a life-long condition, it is one that can be treated and managed.

Educate Yourself

• Once you have been diagnosed with bipolar, you need to take the time to learn as much as possible about your condition. Learn what symptoms accompany it, so you know how bipolar may affect you. Some of the more common symptoms include impaired judgement and impulsiveness, being delusional or experiencing hallucinations, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness or depression, fatigue, loss of energy and thoughts of suicide.

  Learn about the medications and forms of treatment used to manage bipolar and discuss these options with your doctor. Typically a mood stabilizer is prescribed along with an anti-psychotic drug. In some cases, a combination of mood stabilizer and antidepressant drugs may be prescribed; your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms.

Reduce Your Stress

• Stress plays a major role in the number of episodes you may suffer. By reducing stress levels, you may be able to prevent mood swings.

  One way to accomplish this is by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Incorporate one or more of these activities for a period of 30 minutes each day to ward off depression.

  Another option is to set aside time each day to simply do something you enjoy. Whether this be reading a book, listening to calming music, shopping or visiting a friend, if you enjoy it, do it. To add to the effectiveness of this option, try to choose something that will appeal to all five senses. If you enjoy a good meal while watching your favorite movie in a room lit with scented candles, you may find yourself rejuvenated and relaxed.

Keep a Mood Chart

• While there are obvious symptoms that appear when an episode occurs, many people with bipolar disorder have triggers, or early warning signs which, when identified, can help prevent a full-blown mood swing from occurring. Some of the more common triggers include changes of the season, financial problems, an argument with another person, lack of sleep and stress due to school or work.

  Keep a mood chart on a daily basis to help determine triggers for your symptoms. Also, keep a daily record of sleep patterns, mood changes and common thoughts. Write down any symptoms you experience right before a episode and over time you should notice a pattern. This pattern will help you learn about your specific triggers, thus enabling you to prevent a full-blown attack from occurring in the future.

Keep a Routine

• Having a daily routine may help to stabilize your mood. There are a number of things you can do to develop a routine that fits your lifestyle.

  First, develop a schedule. Schedule everything from your meals to the time you socialize with others. Knowing what you will do and when you will do may reduce your level of stress.

  Next, be sure to get the right amount of sleep. If you get too much or too little, your mood may suffer for it. Once you determine how many hours you need, set a strict schedule and adhere to it no matter what.

  Finally, set aside time for exercise. This can be a wonderful means of enhancing your mood, even if you take a short, 30 minute walk. The more you incorporate exercise, the more it will help to ease symptoms. Aim for five days a week.

Develop a Plan

• It is helpful to have a plan in place in case you sense an impending episode. This plan could include journaling, doing something creative such as drawing or playing an instrument or calling a friend for support.

  You should also have a plan in place in case you relapse and require emergency help. Keep a list of important numbers close by. You should also have a list of all medications you take, including dosage information. Include a list of any other health problems you may suffer from aside from bipolar disorder.