Coping with Mental Illness: Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is becoming more pronounced among the American society. Do you or someone you love suffer from this debilitating mental illness? There are ways to make handling this illness, a much simpler process. You are not alone and don't have to suffer with feelings of isolation, loneliness, guilt, hopelessness, and constant mood swings. Apply these techniques to your life on a day by day basis and soon this once debilitating illness will become your motivation to live a happier, healthier more stable life; so you can once again enjoy everything that life has to offer.

The first step you must take is to educate yourself about this illness. There is a very wide assortment of literature that explains in depth, what Bipolar Disorder is and how it affects the person diagnosed and their loved ones. Attend seminars in your area offer by local and state mental health agencies dealing with Bipolar Disorder. Don't be afraid to ask questions! The only sure way to find out information is to ask someone if you are not sure. Ask a counselor, a mental health expert, another person who suffers with the same problems. These are people who have great knowledge about the subject and would be more than willing to share their expertise with you.

Next you must make note of manic and depressive triggers. These are things that will lead a person to go into a state of hypomania, mania, or depression. It is imperative that you find the individuals triggers and avoid these at any cost. It may be seemingly simple things like the amount of sleep they are receiving, a family conflict, too much caffeine, not enough exercise, or possibly even what season it is. These are very simple things to deal with. Make sure that the person is receiving at least 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. This should be in a place that is dark, cool and quiet for the best quality rest. If a family conflict is the problem, use strategies to get to the root of the problem and resolve the dispute as soon as possible. Further escalating the crisis could result in the person suffering from the disorder to take extreme measures to end this dispute such as suicide; they may also become very hostile and irritable. Monitor caffeine intake and adjust it as necessary, if it is at all possible the person should refrain from using caffeine as much as they can to lessen the agitated state of mind associated widely with caffeine addiction. Ensure that the person is getting enough exercise, even a brisk walk outdoors in nature will help to calm the individual and expose them to natural sunlight which increases the brains production of serotonin. Many people with Bipolar Disorder will notice some fluctuations in their moods during different times of the year; also commonly known as "the winter blues" some people experience this when they are subjected to less sunlight exposure. Fall and winter are most known to cause depressive episodes, and just the opposite, spring and summer bring about episodes of mania.

Take all medications and monitor them regularly. There may be times when it would be best for an increase or decrease in your dosages; you should talk this over with your primary care provider. Blood tests may need to be done to check toxicity levels and to ensure your safety. Take the medication everyday as close to the same time as possible, preferably with a meal so that it becomes a daily habit. Use a weekly pill organizer to easily remind you if you have taken your medication for that day in question. Never stop your medication without first consulting your doctor.

Find a support group in your area and meet people who share your problems. Then start a network of support members. Get phone numbers of people you can call for help and be sure to use these people to help you get better. Meet with people from your support network once a week for coffee, and just talk your problems out. Share with them how you feel; what is going on in your life, how your illness is affecting you and your loved ones. Then, ask them for their advice. These people have walked in your shoes and know what to do and say to make things easier for you. A strong support network is essential in securing a stable life in a person suffering from Bipolar Disorder.

Always remember to take care of yourself first. I can not stress this enough. If you are supporting someone with a mental illness or whether you suffer from a mental illness; the first person you need to take care of is yourself. You won't be any good to those around you if you are burnt out, tired, stressed, and irritable. Find things that you enjoy and do them. Buy yourself something special. Take a long, hot, and luxurious bubble bath. Treat yourself to dinner and a movie. Do whatever you need to do to rejuvenate your mind and body. You deserve it!

Living with a mental illness can be a very scary thing and is often times uncertain. Making little changes in your life step-by-step will increase the likeliness of success. Habits take time to form and you should work on them one item at a time until you have made it a daily habit. Such as; education first, then after that is routine; Lowering one's intake of caffeine, until this has become a daily habit and so on. It takes some time, but, you will be amazed at how much easier life with Bipolar Disorder is once you've mastered these daily changes.

Bipolar disorder can be a very debilitating illness that can end in death or a person being institutionalized, but with proper understanding, treatment and follow-ups; this illness has the potential to bond families, increase your awareness of your daily lifestyle choices and lead to a very happy, productive lifestyle if diagnosed and treated correctly. Never give up hope on yourself, or those who suffer.