Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that increases risk of suicide and affects a person's ability to maintain healthy relationships and succeed at work. Helpguide.org reports that it's a lifelong illness, which means people with this disorder will need lifelong treatment. The good news is treatment such as medication, psychotherapy and self-help techniques can be effective enough to allow you to live a normal life.
Therapy and Medication
You need professional help in order to reduce your symptoms of mania and depression. Most medical professionals recommend a combination of mood stabilizing medication and therapy. The most common type of therapy used in treating bipolar disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves learning how your thoughts affect your emotions and behaviors, gaining control of your thoughts, and practicing behavioral techniques to reduce your symptoms.
If you're currently taking medication and attending therapy, you shouldn't stop when you feel better. Always talk to your doctor or psychiatrist before you quit taking your medication, because more than likely, the medication and therapy are the reasons you feel better.
According to Helpguide.org, you should get involved with your treatment. Learn about the medication and how it affects your mood and ask your therapist to explain your disorder and treatment options.
Healthy Habits
The Mayo Clinic reports that getting enough sleep and regular exercise are two things you can do to reduce your symptoms of mania and depression. You should try to get eight hours of sleep each night and exercise for about 30 minutes each day. Many people complain that they don't have time to exercise regularly, but you can squeeze it into your day if you really try. For instance, you could practice yoga in the morning before your shower for 15 minutes and then take your dog for a 15-minute run in the evening.
Monitor Symptoms
In therapy or through trusted websites, you can find out the symptoms of bipolar disorder and figure out which symptoms relate to your case of bipolar disorder. Each morning and evening you should take note of how you're feeling, how your day went, and if your symptoms of mania or depression are increasing. If your symptoms are increasing, you should contact your therapist and doctor to discuss treatment options.
Coping With Stress
Helpguide.org recommends that you put together a wellness toolbox, so you have healthy coping mechanisms when you feel stressed or notice an increase in sadness, irritability or other symptoms of your disorder. Put together a list of things you can do to prevent and decrease stress, and turn to that list when you need it. Your list might include reading a book, talking with your best friend, taking a long bubble bath, attending a support group and writing in your journal.
