It is a challenging proposition to live with bipolar disorder. This condition is mental illness also commonly know as manic depression. It is a brain disorder that causes such problems as severe shifts in mood with periods of deep depression and others of "manic" energy and over excitement. Some periods can include a mix of depressive and manic symptoms. These extreme symptoms are different from the normal shifts in emotion experienced by those who are not bipolar. This illness causes significant difficulties in work and relationships but can often be managed with appropriate medication and other therapies.
Step 1
Seek medical attention as soon as you suspect a problem. If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder you will likely require medication and psychological therapy.
Step 2
Take prescriptions faithfully. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and scheduling. Inform you physician of all other medication you are taking including those prescribed and any over-the-counter medicines.
Step 3
Educate yourself regarding your illness. Learn everything you can especially regarding the latest research and therapies. Discuss what you have learned with your physician, and keep an open line of communication with her.
Step 4
Go to all your doctor's appointments and scheduled therapy sessions. It is important to maintenance these even when you do not feel like doing so. You may want to designate a family member or friend to follow up with you regarding your attendance.
Step 5
Keep a log of your daily feelings. Note if you had any manic or depressive episodes. The log can help you identify things that trigger your severe mood shifts. Staying away from triggers may help you avoid episodes.
Step 6
Stay as healthy as possible to help combat your illness. Try to get eight hours sleep consistently, exercise, eat a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and limit your consumption of stimulants, such as caffeine, and depressants, such as alcohol.
Step 7
Develop you own support group. Communicate with those closest to your about your illness. Let them support you by being available for your calls, going out with you socially and checking in with you on a regular basis.
Step 8
Designate a person to be responsible for managing your care should you experience a severe manic or depressive episode. The guardian would only be for while you are significantly ill. Discuss this with ythe person you select and have a legal document drawn up so your wishes will be followed.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a card with you that documents your illness, lists your medications and contains phone numbers of those to call in case of emergency.
