How can i help myself with bipolar?

Question

How can i help myself with bipolar?

Answer 1

yes you can, but it requires hard work which is very tough when your b-p. I stongly urge talk therapy and medication. Excercise and diet is also very important. Also, find a good b-p group support on-line.

My ex-wife has suffered with b-p (depression) for 25 years. She has been through ECT several times (which help) and tons of drugs just to survive.

I also suffer with major depression. Medications at the proper levels, excercise, and support from your doctors and others that can relate is vital. It is hard for folks to relate if they haven't been there. Unlike a broken arm, mental illness is invisable to others so they don't understand or relate.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have several family members with this disorder and it can be maintained. There are not very many meds out there but some good one to ask your dr. about would be abilify and lithium Lithium's side effects are a little more harsh then abilify but both if taking correctly and under the care of a proper mental heath professional can yield pretty amazing results. Also you can take an active role in your treatment . Keeping a log of you manic times how long they last, how freq, and also any changes. Knowing your mood sometimes you can stop the manic episode from being so intense and having a strong family support is always a good part of treatment  

Answer 3

I'm assuming you have been diagnosed?  If you havent, seeing a Psychiatrist is the first step, you cant diagnose yourself.

First, stay on your meds.  Even when you dont feel like you need them.  Even when you hate the fact that you are on them.  Take them, you do NEED them.

Second, become as aware of yourself and your moods as you can. Journal, mood chart, whatever works for you.  Learn what to know when your meds are not working right.  Learn to spot moods being triggered before they get bad.  Learn what things trigger you.  Learn what things calm down triggered moods. (for me triggered manias if i take unisom early and force myself to get 8-9 hours of sleep that will calm it down in a day or two,,,though if i do nothing the mania keeps me up late and lack of sleep just helps fuel it to coninue)  The more aware you are of yourself the more control you have over your illness.  

Third Establish a good support system.  You need people you can talk to that understand what you are dealing with.  Therapist is always a good idea.   Family, friends, support groups.  I post on a bipolar support message board online.....thats one of my main supports since family isnt supportive at all.