People who suffer from bipolar disorder experience intense highs and lows known as manic and depressive episodes. A depressive episode consists of feelings of sadness and hopelessness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, issues eating and sleeping and thoughts of suicide. Symptoms of manic episodes include euphoria or irritability, increased sense of self, needing little sleep, risk-taking behaviors, racing thoughts and restlessness.
Continuous Therapy
To prevent manic and depressive episodes, someone with bipolar disorder should continue therapy over a long period of time until the patient and therapist both agree that the person no longer needs weekly or twice-weekly sessions. Many times, people with bipolar disorder begin to feel as if they are getting better, which leads them to believe they don't need regular therapy; however, one of the reasons the person is doing better is the continuous therapy. It's unwise to prematurely stop therapy, even if your life is returning to normal.
Learn about the Disorder
If you suffer from a mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder, it's important to educate yourself about it. If you participate in the therapy, the therapist should educate you on the signs and symptoms of the disorder, what causes the disorder and the treatment options available for bipolar disorder. It's important that you empower yourself by learning as much as you can in order to successfully cope with the disorder.
Manage Stress
People who don't know how to cope with stress in healthy ways are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders. A person with bipolar disorder could have a depressive or manic episode triggered by overwhelming stress, so it's important that he learn how to cope with daily stressors. You can do this by making a list of ways to prevent stress and ways to deal with stress in the moment. Put the list somewhere visible until you've memorized it. Implement preventive techniques such as taking a walk, eating lunch with a friend and practicing yoga or exercising on a regular basis.
Healthy Habits
Helpguide.org reports that it's important to maintain healthy habits on a regular basis in order to cope with bipolar disorder. Someone with this disorder should make an effort each day to sleep for eight hours, eat healthy and exercise. Some people make excuses for why they don't exercise regularly--a lack of time is often one of those excuses. You don't have to block out an hour every day in order to exercise. Instead, spend 10 minutes in the morning walking your dog, and stash a pair of weights under your desk at work to use in between meetings.
