Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the proper treatment, support, and care, many diagnosed individuals get to live...
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the proper treatment, support, and care, many diagnosed individuals get to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Here are five tips for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder. For one, many bipolar patients find it easier to manage and control their emotional highs and lows or mind swings when they stick to a daily routine. Establishing a healthy daily routine thus serves as a coping habit that can help people with bipolar reduce stressors and maintain structure in their life. Also, consider having a treatment plan. Treating bipolar disorder with medications or therapy helps greatly in reducing the frequency and severity of mood swings and bipolar episodes.
Another vital tip is to reach out for support when needed. Support from friends, family, or bipolar support groups goes a long way in your treatment and recovery journey. Sometimes, simply being around people who care about you can help ease the stress and side effects of living with bipolar disorder. Read on to learn five helpful tips for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder.
When dealing with a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder, it is crucial to find healthy ways to ensure your mood is stabilized and under control. One such way is to establish a healthy daily routine. A healthy routine influences your habits, which in turn considerably impacts your mood. With the right routine, living a healthy life with bipolar disorder becomes easier. Start by ensuring you have a consistent sleep/wake schedule in your daily routine. Prioritizing sleep is especially important for individuals with bipolar disorder, as your sleep habits can significantly affect your mood. A poor sleep routine can trigger mood episodes and make it difficult to maintain a healthy mental and emotional state throughout the day.
Likewise, having an eating schedule helps you maintain healthy eating habits. Endeavor to space out the meals and snacks you eat throughout the day to ensure your sugar levels are balanced. If your blood sugar levels spike or dip, it may have an adverse effect on your mood. You can work with a nutritionist to create a nutritious, delicious, healthy meal timetable. In addition, you can include daily exercise or other physical activities in your daily routine. Getting active daily has many benefits: it boosts your mood, heightens energy levels, improves sleep quality, reduces blood pressure, increases confidence, and can improve your memory. It is, however, essential to Consult your doctor before starting any vigorous workout routine.
One tip for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder is to find the right treatment plan. Bipolar disorder has no exact cause, so finding the right treatment plan can seem confusing and taxing. However, with the help of a healthcare professional, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment options that suit your unique needs. Generally, most people with bipolar disorder treat their symptoms with medications. Prescribed medications such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants effectively help manage mood swings and other bipolar symptoms. You may need to try different medications before finding one that suits your needs best.
Thus, involving your doctor before taking or stopping medications is essential. Another treatment option for people with bipolar disorder is psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy helps bipolar patients improve communication, accept their condition, recognize signs of bipolar episodes, and develop the necessary coping skills to live a fulfilling life. You may also consult your doctor about long-term treatment options to reduce the frequency and severity of mood swing episodes.
Bipolar disorder occurs on a broad spectrum; thus, each individual's signs and symptoms are unique. One strategy for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder is to understand your spectrum of bipolar disorder and its associated signs and symptoms. Warning symptoms of a manic episode may include inflated self-esteem, excessive energy, extreme happiness, talkativeness, increased agitation, acting on impulse, restlessness, etc. On the other hand, a depressive episode can be identified by a lack of interest, extreme sadness, forgetfulness, changes in sleep/eating patterns, suicidal thoughts, etc. Understand which warning signs of bipolar episodes you experience and how frequently they occur.
Also, keep a daily log of your sleep patterns, general mood, energy levels, eating habits, stress levels, sex drive, and relationships. Doing this can help you understand the causes of previous episodes and identify potential triggers. An effective way to keep track of your bipolar symptoms is by journaling. Writing down your feelings and emotions doesn't only help you record them but also allows you to acknowledge what you feel and healthily process your feelings.
One vital tip for living a healthy life with bipolar disorder is to make conscious efforts to keep stress at bay. For most people with bipolar disorder, stress can trigger episodes of depression and mania and worsen other bipolar-related symptoms. So it is vital to control your stress levels. Learn the proper ways to relax when you feel overwhelmed or over the edge. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, deep breathing, guided imagery, self-massage, mindfulness medications, etc., effectively minimize stress and improve your mood. Also, you must prioritize "you" time. Create time in your schedule to do things you love.
Listen to music, draw, bake, paint, read a good book, hang out with friends, go to the cinema, or have fun at the beach. Doing things just because they are fun will undoubtedly improve your mental and emotional state. Similarly, you can reduce stressors by appealing to your sense; taste, smell, touch, sound, and sight. Sip warm tea, lit a scented candle, listen to uplifting music, massage your body, or visit the zoo to watch animals.
Having a solid support system is essential to living a healthy life with bipolar disorder. Most times, simply having a friend or family to talk to provides enormous help in minimizing depression episodes and improving your motivation. The more people you surround yourself with, the more likely you get the strength to manage your moods. So it's crucial to avoid self-isolation. Instead, maintain regular contact with supportive friends and family, as self-isolation and loneliness could trigger bipolar depression. Your support starts from home, so embrace your loved ones who care about you and want to help. You can also seek support from bipolar disorder support groups. Spending time with people going through the same situation can be very therapeutic; simply knowing that some people understand what you feel provides great comfort.
You can also benefit from advice and shared experiences from others in a support group. Alternatively, you can build new relationships if you don't have a support group or close relative to lean on. It's always possible to put yourself out there and make friends. Try volunteering, attending local events, joining a church, attending yoga classes, or any other class that piques your interest.
Living a healthy life with bipolar disorder requires certain adjustments. Like drug addicts, who avoid drugs, if you have bipolar disorder, it's imperative to make certain healthy choices to keep your symptoms under control, reduce the frequency of mood episodes, maintain stability, and stay well longer. So, endeavor to maintain a daily routine, consider treatment options, watch out for signs and symptoms, reduce stress, and seek support for bipolar disorder.
https://www.samhsa.gov/serious-mental-illness/bi-polar#living-with-bipolar-disorder
https://greatist.com/health/living-with-bipolar-disorder#resources
https://www.self.com/story/bipolar-disorder-coping-reenetry
https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/living-healthy-life-with-bipolar
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder.htm
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
