Bipolar Disorder
Understand Bipolar Disorder
Manic Phase
Depressive Phase
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
How you can help yourself
How you can help someone with Bipolar Disorder

How you can help yourself
In addition to working with your doctor to get the best treatment, there are some things that you can do to help yourself on your road to recovery. The following are some suggestions you may find helpful.

Learn to recognise the onset of mood swings and take some responsibility for monitoring your condition.

Mania might start with missing more than one night's sleep, your friends saying you're getting 'high', feeling special feelings of power, or spending lots of money. Before the onset of depression, there may be strong feelings of worthlessness, guilt, poor sleep, or change of appetite or sex drive.

   
Develop a support network involving your doctor, the community mental health-care team, relatives and friends. Join a support group of fellow sufferers.
   
Learn as much as you can about your medication - what you are taking, the side-effects it might have, the signs of lithium toxicity, and when you might need additional medication such as a tranquilliser.
   
Learn some relaxation strategies such as stress management, yoga and meditation.
   
Exercise regularly.
   
Positive thinking techniques are valuable (this is the basis of cognitive therapy which is discussed in more detail under Psychological Treatment).
   
Reduce the use of recreational drugs including alcohol.
   
Try to maintain a healthy diet.
   
Make sure you regularly get a good night's sleep.
   
Become involved in a hobby, job or activity to which you feel committed, if possible. A sense of motivation will help you to stay well.
   
Keep taking your medication as prescribed and have it regularly monitored by your doctor.


   
   


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