Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide

Living with Bipolar Disorder can be extremely difficult. Most people live with this disease for many years before being diagnosed. Diagnosis is key in managing symptoms. Once diagnosed, the patient will be able to take medications that can significantly improve their symptoms. Medication coupled with counseling are the first steps to treating Bipolar Disorder. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and maintaining a healthy diet can also help regulate periods of mania and depression. Understanding and avoiding the emotional and physical triggers that can cause mania and depression is important.

Medication

• Receiving the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is key to begin treatment. Once a psychiatrist has issued the diagnosis, treatment through medication can begin. After filling prescriptions, it is the responsibility of the patient and/or the patient's family to make sure meds are taken at the same time every day. Skipping doses or taking more than the prescribed dosage worsen symptoms of the disorder. If the medication is causing bothersome or severe side effects, the patient should call his or her doctor immediately. Taking the prescribed medication is essential in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.

Counseling

• Counseling is a very effective tool in coping with and managing Bipolar Disorder. Many patients find it difficult to accept their diagnosis, and a knowledgeable therapist can help the patient understand more about it. Bipolar Disorder is a disease that needs to be treated. Just as a diabetic needs insulin, an individual with Bipolar Disorder needs medication. A therapist can discuss the importance of lifestyle changes and medication needs. Over a period of time, therapy can help the patient see the pattern of their symptoms and gauge their progress.

Emotional and Physical Triggers

• Understanding the triggers that can cause a patient to lapse into depression or mania is very important. Nonprescription drug use and alcohol use should be avoided entirely. Drugs and alcohol can negatively affect the prescribed medication so important to managing Bipolar symptoms. Maintaining a lifestyle that is free from toxic relationships and undue stress is important. Until a patient learns to handle this disorder effectively, negative influences and relationships should be severed. Keeping a consistent sleeping and eating schedule is another essential aspect of maintaining emotional and physical wellness.