Living With Bipolar Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder can be a disabling mental illness. With proper treatment and a management plan, someone with bipolar disorder can lead a full and satisfying life. Usually it will be a combination of techniques and treatments that will help someone manage bipolar mood swings rather than any one thing. Ultimately the responsibility of managing bipolar mood swings resides with the person experiencing those mood swings. The person needs a support team in place that can help manage mood swings.

An Introduction to Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where the patient experiences shifts in mood from mania, an elevated often euphoric mood, to depression. The patient may experience hypomania, which is a mild form of mania, or dysphoric mania, which is mania without the euphoria. Some patients also experience a mixed episode, which is when a patient experiences symptoms of mania and depression simultaneously. The four sub-types in the bipolar spectrum are> bipolar I, II, not otherwise specified (NOS) and cyclothymia. This disorder usually presents in adolescence or early adulthood but occasionally presents in childhood.

Recognizing your Symptoms and Triggers

• To manage your symptoms and triggers you first need to recognize what they are. Not everyone with bipolar disorder has the same symptoms, but possible mania symptoms include: less need for sleep, rapid thoughts, rapid speech, increased activity level, euphoria, hypersexuality, spending sprees, irritability, aggravation, risky behavior, increased confidence and feelings of grandiosity. Possible symptoms of depression include: sadness, decreased interest in activities that person used to enjoy, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, weight gain or loss, problems concentrating, difficulty making decisions, feeling guilty and hopelessness.

  A trigger (also called a stressor) is something that causes a mood shift and they can be different for each person. Recognizing and avoiding your triggers when possible can be a big help in managing your illness. Possible triggers include: not having a regular sleep schedule, misusing alcohol or drugs, thyroid and other medical conditions, depression medication (can trigger mania in some), not taking your medication, seasonal changes, job and/or life changes, holidays, and illness.

  A mood chart can help you recognize and track your symptoms and triggers. It can also be helpful to your medical team. A simple diary can be used as well. It can be difficult to recognize and see all your own symptoms and triggers. Your family and friends can be a great resource to help you recognize your symptoms and triggers.

Techniques for Managing your Symptoms

• One of the main ways to manage your bipolar disorder is with proper treatment. Accurately reporting your symptoms to your medical team is a key component in proper treatment. It is also important to take your medications regularly, especially when you feel like you don't need them. It is common for someone to stop taking medication when he feels like he won't need it anymore. When you get to the point where you feel like you no longer need medication, it means that your medication is working, and if you stop taking your medication, your symptoms will return.

  Another important tool you can use to help manage your bipolar disorder is to live a balanced life. Get regular sleep, exercise daily, eat regular meals, talk to your doctor about alcohol use and avoid recreational drugs. It will also help if you fill out your mood chart or diary daily, take your medications on a regular basis, talk to your family and friends, and make a list of whom you can call in case you need to talk.

  Working can be difficult when you have bipolar disorder. You can take some steps you to help you while at work. Take small breaks, break large tasks into smaller jobs, get regular sleep, use calendars and/or planners to help you manage your time and avoid triggers at work. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer any support programs as a part of your benefits package.

  It is also important to have a support network. Keep a list with you of who you can go to when your illness gets difficult or you find yourself contemplating suicide. This list can include family, friends, members of your church, clergy, your therapist, doctor or other members of the bipolar community. Check your local area to see if there are local support groups that meet. If you are thinking about suicide, it is time to talk to someone. If you do not have anyone you can talk to or they are not available, call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE.