Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can effect a person throughout her life. With bipolar disorder a person experiences severe mood shifts from manic episodes of extreme highs to depressive episodes of extreme lows. A person with this disorder may cycle through her shifts in mood as often as a couple of times a day, but for most the changes in mood occur a couple of times a year. Bipolar disorder responds well to psychotherapy and medications. There are alternative treatments for bipolar disorder, but it is not recommended that they be the sole form of treatment.
Step 1
Avoid drugs and alcohol. According to the MayoClinic.com, the use of drugs or alcohol can cause your symptoms of bipolar disorder to worsen or return.
Step 2
Eat a healthy diet. HelpGuide.org reports that there is a link between what you eat and your mood. Your diet should be full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid eating foods with high fat or sugar contents. HelpGuide.org notes that foods such as chocolate, caffeine and processed items can negatively impact your overall mood and should be avoided.
Step 3
Get regular exercise, at least five times a week for 30 minutes each day. Participate in a sport or join a gym. Ensure that sleep is a priority. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and getting eight hours of sleep each night will help to keep manic and depressive episodes away.
Step 4
Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. According to HelpGuide.org, consuming omega-3s can help decrease the amount of mood swings your experience as a result of your bipolar disorder. Eat a diet containing foods that are rich in omega-3 such as soybeans, flaxseeds, canola oil, walnuts, salmon, halibut and sardines. Take a dietary supplement containing omega-3. The MayoClinic.com notes that in areas of the world where omega-3 is regularly consumed there are less instances of bipolar disorder.
Step 5
Start doing yoga. The MayoClinic.com reports that yoga has been known to help control the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder and reduce depression symptoms. Join a yoga class. Talk with the instructor about your experiences with bipolar disorder. Inform the instructor about how you are hoping yoga can help control some of your symptoms. The instructor may be able to recommend different yoga classes or posses that will meet your needs.
Step 6
Try acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice has been known to reduce the symptoms associated with depression, reports the MayoClinic.com. Schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist and discuss with him your symptoms of bipolar disorder, and how acupuncture may be beneficial to you.
