By: Stan Popovich
It can be challenging in dealing with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is one of the leading causes of disability globally as it can affect many areas of life. People with bipolar disorder may experience strained relationships, problems at school or work, and difficulties in doing daily activities.
What Is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
1. Manic episodes: Periods of intense elation, irritability, or energy. People with bipolar disorder may feel happy, excited, or overactive. They may have an inflated sense of self-worth, talk quickly, or have trouble concentrating.
2. Depressive episodes: Periods of intense sadness, indifference, or hopelessness. People with bipolar disorder may feel very sad, hopeless, or worthless. They may have little energy, sleep too much, or have a lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy.
Your Options If Your Bipolar
It is important that you seek the proper treatment if you suspect that you are experiencing these episodes. Here is what you can do if feel that you may have bipolar disorder.
1. Learn about your situation: It is important to understand bipolar disorder and how it may interfere with your life. Educating yourself on how to deal with bipolar disorder will help you to get your life back to normal. Being aware of how bipolar disorder is affecting your life is important.
2. Find a counselor that you can work with: Look for a mental health professional who can help you manage your bipolar disorder. When looking for a counselor, ask for someone who has a good reputation. Remember that finding a counselor to help you depends on how you interact with the counselor and how they interact with you.
3. Follow the advice of your counselor: Once you find somebody, the next step is to find coping strategies for your bipolar disorder.
Tips On Managing Bipolar Disorder
There are many ways you can manage bipolar disorder. Here are a few tips that you can use that will help manage your current situation.
1. Monitor your situation: It’s important to recognize the warning signs of an oncoming manic or depressive episode. Make a list of symptoms that preceded your previous mood episodes. Try to identify the triggers, or outside influences, that may have led to your situation. Keep a close watch for subtle changes in your mood, sleeping patterns, energy level, and thoughts.
2. Develop a wellness toolbox: It’s helpful to have a wellness toolbox to draw from. A wellness toolbox consists of coping skills and activities you can do to maintain a stable mood or to get better when you’re feeling “off.” Discuss with your counselor the coping techniques that will work best for you.
3. Avoid stressful activities in your life: Stress can be a big trigger for people who are bipolar. Identify areas of your life that are stressful and find better ways to manage that stress to keep your bipolar under control. Talk to your counselor on how you can manage your stresses and anxieties in your life.
It is important to avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can make your bipolar disorder worse and could trigger events that could create additional problems for you. Your best is to find effective ways in dealing with your situation rather than relying on drugs and alcohol.
4. Look after your physical health: Taking care of our physical health can help support your mental wellbeing. Getting enough sleep can help you keep your mood stable or shorten an episode. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well, think clearly, and calm your mood. Gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, can help you relax and manage stress. Make sure you consult with your doctor if you do any physical exercise.
5. Have a strong support system: Use the support of your family and friends who can help you out when you are struggling with your bipolar disorder. There may be times that you may need encouragement from the people you know when you have a bad day. Having a support system can reduce loneliness and isolation.
6. Join a bipolar disorder support group: Spending time with people who know what you’re going through can be therapeutic. You can benefit from the shared experiences and advice of the group members. Isolation and loneliness make bipolar disorder worse. If you don’t have a support network you can count on, try to find an activity where you can meet others.
Living With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be managed, and it is possible to lead a fulfilling and productive life. In order to do this, you have to seek proper treatment to combat symptoms. You need to develop long-term coping strategies that will limit your symptoms and help you take control over them.
Like What You Read?
You will greatly increase your chances of finding the answers to your mental health issues if you use my book, website articles, and my blog at the same time. You can also review the rest of my website to get a better idea of how my experiences and advice can help you. Consider getting my affordable book right now at PayPal, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble by clicking on Get Stan’s Book
