Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression disorder. It is when you have extreme mood, thinking, energy and behaviour swings between feeling high (mania) and feeling very low (depression).
Bipolar disorder affects your memory, concentration, focus, sex drive, self esteem, sleep and appetite.
Bipolar disorder is not about sometimes feeling good and sometimes feeling bad. The extreme cycles of high and low with bipolar can be debilitating in terms of work, relationships, day to day life, and self care. These extreme swings can also last for weeks at a time. Sometimes the bipolar low episodes can last longer than the high episodes.
Bipolar disorder can be controlled. There is treatment available and along with self care, learned coping skills, and a support system, your bipolar can be managed.
The following tips will help you control your bipolar symptoms.
Do not ignore the fact you may have it
If someone says they think you are bipolar, or you read about it and identify with the symptoms then take it seriously. Do not take someone’s observation as an insult or dismiss what you are reading.
Read and learn what it is and how you can be helped
Once you admit and accept you may have bipolar disorder then seek as much information about the condition as you can. Learn what treatments are available, what medication is available and how you can help yourself. Be an A to Z encyclopaedia about the condition so you can seek help from others and self care as well.
Talk to your GP immediately
Make an appointment with your GP. Inform them that you think you may have bipolar disorder. Tell them why you think this and explain your symptoms. Ask your GP to refer you for professional help and therapy. If your GP deems it suitable they could perhaps prescribe medication.
Regular exercise
Exercise such as long walks, swimming, running, and aerobic exercise is very beneficial for your intake of oxygen, for brain function and general well being. Exercise can lift your mood and calm your bipolar episodes.
Yoga, deep breathing and meditation
These are the three golden nuggets of relaxation. Yoga, deep breathing exercises and meditation relax, calm, and stabilise your body, your mind, and your well being. These three will reduce your bipolar episodes.
Work and play/life balance
This is very important for everyone throughout their life. It is vital that you live a perfect healthy work and life balance. Too much work will depress you and you will suffer from burnout. Too much play and non-work will make you irresponsible and maybe lazy. You need to strike a balance. This balance will help with your bipolar.
Avoid stress
Stress is a major factor and contributor to bipolar episodes. Make a list of everything including people that majorly stress you out. If you can, avoid these things and people. If ever you find yourself in a stressful situation which is detrimental to you, ask to be excused or politely remove yourself from the situation. This is not about being rude or avoiding things, it’s about self-care.
Sleep on time
Sleeping on time and for the optimum number of hours is healthy. It allows your body and mind to heal and rest. Regular daily sleep helps mood, keeps you calm, relieves stress and reduces your bipolar episodes.
Eat healthy meals on time
Eating on time and eating a healthy meal full of nutrition will keep your body and mind healthy. Healthy meals on time is good for your mood and will also reduce your bipolar episodes.
Join a ‘bipolar’ support group
A support group will understand how you feel, what is a trigger, your anxiety, and your fears. They will listen, they will help, they will support you and above all you will not feel alone, isolated, or misunderstood.
Inform your friends and family
It is very important for your future relationships, your family, and social circle that you inform them of what is happening to you, how bipolar disorder is affecting you, what you need from them, and to be patient with you.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol is known to trigger a bipolar episode as are many other substances such as drugs and tranquillisers. Avoid any substance that can push you towards a bipolar episode.
Contact bipolar UK for more help
There is a national charity that can help you.
www.bipolaruk.org.
If you have further knowledge on bipolar disorder please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
