Bipolar self-help tips
- Take ownership of your illness. No, it’s not your fault you have bipolar disorder, but now that you have it, do your part to get help, lead a healthier lifestyle, and follow your treatment regimen.
- Take your medications as prescribed. Most of the medications used to treat depression or mania need to be taken daily, not just when you think you feel depressed or manic or think you need them.
- Don’t drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can neutralize the beneficial effects of the medications and interact with some medications to cause liver damage, seizures, unpredictable shifts in mood, and other health problems. (Avoid other substances, as well, including medications that your doctor has not prescribed for you.)
- Sleep seven to eight hours per night… every night. Sleep deprivation can really throw your moods out of whack.
- Steer clear of stimulants. Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants could tip your mood balance, especially if they cause you to lose sleep. Yep, those energy drinks gotta go.
- Establish healthy routines. You’ll be surprised at how much a daily routine can relieve stress and level your moods. Exercise can help, too
- Avoid triggers and stressors. Situations or people that get you hyped up, agitated, or upset can trigger mood episodes.
- Team up with your doctor and therapist. They can provide much more effective treatment if you make and keep regular appointments, consult them prior to making any medication or treatment changes, and are honest about what’s going on.
- Educate yourself. The more you and others around you learn about the disorder, the better equipped you’ll be to keep it under control.
- Ask for help. Your friends, family members, and the people you work with probably want to help but don’t know what to do. Let them know what they can do to help you (and when you need them to back off).
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
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Establish healthy routines
Doing exercise and establishing healthy routines can help you to relieve stress and level your moods. Try to sleep seven or eight hours...MoreAvoid alcohol and stimulants
Drinking alcohol can neutralize the beneficial effects of the medication you have been prescribed. Alcohol can also cause liver damage,...MoreBe careful with the medication
People who suffer from bipolar disorders have to avoid taking medications that the doctor has not prescribed. Let your psychiatrist, nu...MoreKeep appointments with your therapist and psychiatrist
If you miss appointments, you tend to lose touch and can start to unwind. It is a good idea for your support team to know what is going...MoreMaster your triggers
This is extremely important. When you learn to identify your triggers you are able to manage your mood cycles when they begin, instead ...More More Tips & Hints
