Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental illness that impacts the way one thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by several episodes of mania or depression that may last days, weeks, months, or years.Â
Bipolar disorder can be a tough condition to deal with from day to day, especially depending on the type that you have been diagnosed with. However, it’s important to know that even at your highest or lowest, it is possible to continue living life despite those points.
Granted, managing bipolar disorder is an ongoing daily effort that can be worked on. If you’re wondering what steps can you take to live your best life with bipolar disorder, keep reading.
1) Work on Treatment
There are many forms of treatment often prescribed to bipolar individuals to help with their mood. These types of therapy can help with mood stabilization, working through depressive and manic symptoms, and self-esteem issues. If you don’t have access to therapy, seeking telehealth psychiatric professionals would be a great step in the right direction.
2) Communicate with Others
Communication is a must in any relationship, and that goes for your relationship with your nurse, psychiatrist, or even with your friends and family. Those who deal with bipolar disorder are likely to have people around them who have their best interests in mind but may not fully understand the disorder. Having open communications is a must in sucha scenario.
3) Know Your Triggers
Bipolar disorder is known to bring on triggers that can ultimately start an episode or worsen current symptoms. For some, it might be a certain word or phrase, while others may just have a particular schedule for their change in mood. Knowing what these triggers are and working on ways to avoid them is an important part of living well with this disorder.
4) Monitor Your Moods
Monitor your moods, including the time, date, and surroundings. This kind of record will help you keep track of your symptoms in case you are having trouble remembering or have another manic or depressive episode in the future. Do consider discussing the details during a telepsychiatric session to gain more insight.
5) Avoid Stressors
Stress is a huge factor in triggering an episode, so it helps to avoid stressors that you can. This may include stepping away from a particular situation, canceling plans, or creating a schedule for when you will have time to yourself. Be sure to put yourself and your mental well-being first as much as possible.
6) Don’t Forget Physical Health
Many bipolar individuals believe that since they are dealing with a mental illness, they don’t have time or energy to take proper care of their physical health. This can be extremely detrimental to your overall health and well-being. Look for ways to still care for your physical health and wellness, such as a workout plan or even a walk around the neighborhood.
7) Maintain a Healthy Diet
While some may not think that what they eat can make a difference in their mood, this is not true in the case of those who have bipolar disorder. The food and how much is consumed have a huge impact on how one feels. Staying on a healthy diet and eating on a schedule can help stabilize your mood and your energy level.
Conclusion
Check in with your doctor regularly for a check-up and the most current treatment recommendations. Getting the best support you can from family and friends while coping when things get tough will help you with living life to the fullest.
In need of bipolar disorder treatment? Amodeus Healthcare in Londonderry, NH has advanced nurse practitioners that can offer telepsychiatric services and laboratory diagnostics. Get in touch with us today!