How to Deal with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that needs attention and has to be monitored in order for you to function well. Once you have been diagnosed with the disorder, you will need to practice ways to cope with the condition. Knowing these and abiding by them will help you tremendously. Would you rather be in control? Or would you like to be controlled by your emotions and live by the minute? I thought so. Take control of your life and your emotions and learn to live a better life! Here are ten ways to help fight bipolar disorder and help you maintain a normal lifestyle. You will also want to consult your physician in case your case is severe enough to require medications.

Here are ten ways to help deal with your bipolar disorder.

1.) Education

Learn everything you can about your illness. Knowledge is power, and in your case, knowledge of your condition can serve you in many ways. Knowing what you're up against and knowing why you are feeling the way you have been feeling can be the difference between leading a normal and stable life, or living at the whim of those constant ups and downs. The latter will, more than likely, end up leaving you without a job, friends, or even money. That, in turn, would contribute to even worse symptoms and deeper lows. Learn as much as you can about your condition so you know what you are up against.

2.) Medications

Should you be taking medications already for BPD or any other illness, do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor first. Always check with a physician before changing any kind of medicinal intake.

3.) Know Your Moods

Possibly draw up a mood chart and track your moods from day to day, or if severe, hour by hour. Knowing your moods and how they affect your decisions will help you learn to think critically and above your emotions rather than by them.

4.) Take Preventative Measures

Now that you know your moods and what will set you off or take you down, you will know what to avoid. If you suffer from moderate to severe BPD, you will want to proactively avoid these situations, places, or people. Basically, if you were allergic to cats, would you go to your local animal shelter and pet a bunch of cats? Same thing. Try your best to avoid what will set your moods into chaos. If your job is one of them, consider finding another job (put thought and planning into this first, do not up and quit your job).

5.) Distract Yourself

If you feel like you are about to have a mood change, you can usually tell when it's coming, occupy yourself with something that will distract you for a while and take your mind off of the negative stimulus. You can do just about anything you like to distract yourself, from exercise, reading, writing, watching TV, cooking, baking, cleaning, or just about anything!

6.) Hope

If you are managing your symptoms well, there is no reason for you to not have good hope in your recovery. Hope is actually a key recovery point and will help maintain a good level of personal achievement. Those of us with bipolar disorder can all work together and help each other through the process of living well and maintained a normal emotional state.

7.) Perspective

Keep everything in perspective. There will be those times when you are going to feel down in the dumps and like it's never going to get better, but those times happen to everyone. By everyone I mean everyone, even people without bipolar disorder. Everyone at certain points in their lives hit rock bottom, emotionally. Just keep up your hope and you will pull through and the sun will rise again tomorrow!

8.) Responsibility

Take responsibility for yourself. Others will, of course, be willing to help. But do not use anyone as a crutch or become a burden on anyone. Be in control of yourself and keep your life mostly independent. You are responsible for your life and will ultimately be the one to have to live with the consequences of your actions, positive or negative.

9.) Self Advocacy

You are your own advocate. Take action against your bipolar disorder and be your own emotional boss. Do what you would have an assistant do and schedule your own appointments, take your medication as directed, and ask for help from others when needed.

10.) Support

Calling on support from others may be humbling, but it will help you in so many ways. Always know that there are groups and forums as well as countless web communities that exist solely for helping you cope with bipolar disorder. Never be too proud to ask for help. There are even hotlines you can call in an emergency situation. If you have nowhere else to turn, contact your local hospital to get more information and an appointment with a psychiatrist/physician.

In conclusion, you are your own best warrior against bipolar disorder. Don't let it rule your life. Take charge and be proactive to live a normal and stable life!