Bipolar disorder is a classic mood disorder that causes both manic highs and depressive lows. According to the Mayo Clinic, the mood shifts of bipolar disorder may occur only a few times a year or more often, even several times a day. Bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment and changes in lifestyle.
Basics
Having a balanced lifestyle that incorporates strategies to promote wellness will help a person with bipolar disorder take control over his illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Bipolar disorder can have negative consequences if it is not dealt with effectively, but a person can reduce his symptoms through a variety of simple changes.
Considerations
According to HelpGuide.org, bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health illness that requires a person to make healthy choices to keep her symptoms under control, minimize mood swings and take back control of her life. It is important to remember that, although making changes and improvements in a person's life may improve the negative consequences of the disorder, bipolar is best managed with proper treatment that includes both medication and therapy, HelpGuide.org says. Therefore, even though taking steps to make improvements in her life and overall health is important it should not be the only form of treatment.
Self-help
Developing structure may help stabilize moods, according to HelpGuide.org. Set times for sleeping, eating, socializing, exercising, working and relaxing, and maintain the schedule even through mood changes. Make sleep a priority. HelpGuide.org notes that too little sleep can trigger manic episodes. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is vital to avoid the intake of drugs and alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. A person should make sure he avoids unhealthy relationships, which could influence him to engage in high risk behaviors. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days out of the week. The Mayo Clinic says that exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, which are chemicals that help stabilize mood. Eat a healthy diet. HelpGuide.org suggests that meals be spaced out throughout the day, to avoid dips in blood sugar, and that they be composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Warning
Have an emergency action plan in place when dealing with bipolar disorder. According to HelpGuide.org, that even with deliberate healthy living techniques and treatment, a relapse with bipolar can develop into full blown mania or severe depression. Having a crisis plan set up can create a sense of control. The plan should include a list of emergency contacts, a list of medications and dosages, information on other health problems and treatment preferences such as who you want to care for you, says HelpGuide.org. Also, it is important to know where to go, such as a hospital emergency room or crisis center, and who to call, such as the therapist, if the bipolar symptoms become uncontrollable.
Prevention/Solution
There is no way to entirely prevent bipolar disorder, but there are steps to ward off its recurrence. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important to pay attention to warning signs or triggers and take medications exactly as directed by the person who prescribed it.
