Dealing with bipolar disorder is never easy, but thankfully, there are plenty of ways that you can alleviate its symptoms and keep them at bay. By using the proper combination of therapy, meditation and lifestyle changes, anyone can learn how to treat and manage their bipolar episodes. Here are a few tips for anyone dealing with bipolar disorder can use to keep their symptoms under control.
Follow your Prescription
Medication can be a lifesaver for anyone who’s bipolar and can help you live a normal life, provided you follow your prescription. However, medication like lithium demands that you constantly perform blood tests to readjust your dosage since too much can be dangerous. And if you decide to skip your lithium doses or any other medication because you’re experiencing side effects or for any other reasons, you increase your chances of a relapse.
Instead of skipping medication because of side effects, try to know as much as you can about the side effects instead. In many cases, your personal lifestyle choices may be triggering these side effects, as certain medication interact poorly with other drugs, foods, or alcohol.
Understand the Importance of Sleep
Most people living with bipolar disorder also have sleeping pattern issues as well. Some will have a tendency to oversleep or constantly take long naps while others will have insomnia issues when they’re not having bipolar episodes. However, bad sleeping habits will often precipitate depressive or manic episodes.
Try to set an alarm every morning even if you have nothing to do and try to establish a rhythm. Try to go out for some light exercise each morning and ask if a friend could join you. Exercise has a major effect on your mental state and will set the tone for the day.
Go for Therapy
A lot of people will only see their psychiatrist one time per month or every other month once their mood is stabilizing, but it’s important that you go for therapy too if you want better results.
Regular therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is especially helpful for those suffering from bipolar disorder. This type of therapy helps patients understand their thoughts, events, and triggers better. Interpersonal therapy can also help patients establish and maintain relationships with close friends and re-establish family connections, something a lot of people suffering from bipolar disorder have trouble with.
You can also use online resources to find tips on how to deal with some of the symptoms of bipolar disorders and how to alleviate them. Sites like Appsychology.Com have interesting articles you may find useful.
Try to Reconnect with Others
Social interaction can be a double-edged sword for people suffering from bipolar disorder. Too much social interaction can provoke anxiety and trigger issues, but complete isolation can be detrimental as well.
One way you can get your social life back is to take on hobbies or activities you actually enjoy. Or you could also decide to volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about. This will allow you to interact with people you’re on the same wavelength with and find a sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Coping with bipolar disorder is possible provided that you adopt a lifestyle that is conducive to recovery. These few tips should help you take back control over your life.
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