Bipolar Disorder Treatment Overview

There are a few treatments available for bipolar disorder. Some are medications and some are lifestyle changes. I believe the best way to manage your bipolar disorder is to be proactive in its control. You should always avoid things, people, or situations that will trigger a manic or depressive episode. Here is a guide to some of the top treatments available to you. Remember, you are your own best friend, but can easily be your own worst enemy. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, consult a physician.

Not every treatment fits every person. Treatments for this condition must be individually prescribed and may not work for everyone. It is important that, in addition to any medications, you track your moods and actively control your decisions and self control in any situation and avoid anything that will trigger an episode.

Some of the top treatments for bipolar disorder are:

Medication

If you and your doctor believe your condition warrants medication, you must be sure to follow his/her directions as well as the guidelines given by the individual medication you are prescribed. It is your responsibility to take your medication as prescribed and as scheduled. Do not skip a dosage under any circumstances. It is also not your decision to stop taking your medication. Although this may seem harsh, it is very important. If you stop having symptoms or you begin to feel much better after starting medication, it's because of it! It is formulated to help your body and mind function properly. You are your own advocate and you alone are in control of whether or not your recovery is a smooth one or not. Medication is a very strong way to keep your BPD under control and even though you may feel like you no longer need it at times, coming off of medications can result in a downward spiral and could make you feeling worse than before being prescribed. Always consult with your doctor before starting or stopping any kinds of medications, even non BPD meds.

Self Help

The best thing you can do is to be in control of yourself. You may not be able to eliminate your disorder, but you can manage it to a point close to zero.

-Log your moods and mood changes throughout the day/week.

-Be proactive, assert yourself in your goal of a normal life. Schedule and be on time for all of your appointments and go to follow upappointments. Stay true to yourself and you will be rewarded.

-Avoid situations or people that you know will trigger a manic or depressive episode. Knowing your triggers will be, in most cases, the single most powerful weapon in your arsenal against BPD. When you know the enemy, you can defeat it.

-Distract yourself. When you know a mood change is coming, distract yourself with a favorite hobby. Such as, reading, writing, cleaning, exercise, or whatever you like to do. This will keep you mentally away from liftoff, or from falling in a valley, emotionally speaking.

-Call on support when necessary. Some things cannot be handled on your own. If you find yourself in a pinch and need someone to talk to, call on your doctor, a help hotline, or a close friend or family member for support.

Clinical Help

In addition to any medications your doctor might prescribe to you, you might want to consult a psychiatrist. This will help you to have some real down time with a mental professional. You can vent everything from the last week/month and get feedback on what you should do or change about your routine. He would also be able to review your mood logs and give you some professional input. All in all, nothing compares to talking face to face with someone about your feelings, moods, emotions, and problems.