Helping Yourself & Others

What can I do to help myself if I have bipolar disorder?

It can be pretty hard to take that first step toward helping yourself. It is going to take some time, but you can get better with the proper treatment.  

To help yourself:

1. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and progress. Follow  all doctor recommended and prescribed forms of treatment.   
2. Keep and stick to a regular routine.  Routines and schedules are very helpful to people with Bipolar Disorder.  Routines help your body to function better and not get out of whack which can send you into a maniac episode. Helpful routines include: Going to bed at the same time every night, and rising at the same time every morning. Eating your meals at the same time every day, etc.                    
3. Get enough sleep. Sleep is very important in helping your body to function. Sleep deprivation can bring on symptoms of bipolar and manic episodes. 
4. Take your doctor prescribed medication, and do not self medicate. Self medicating with drugs or alcohol can bring on episodes of mania and make your symptoms worse.  Also, any substance taken together with your medication, can cause unwanted and very dangerous effects. 
5. Learn about and recognize what the warning signs are that signal a behavioral change into depression or mania. Learn what triggers your bipolar symptoms. 
6. Learn not to expect your symptoms to improve immediately.  Symptoms will improve gradually, over time.

If you know someone who has bipolar disorder, it affects you too.  Often times, we would like to help, but just aren't sure how to go about it. 

To help a friend or family member, you can:

1. Offer emotional support.  Be understanding and patient. Offering encouragement to someone dealing with bipolar disorder is always helpful.
2. Learn about bipolar disorder so you can understand what your friend or family member is going through.  
3. Listen carefully while talking to your friend or family member.  
4. Listen to the feelings your friend or relative says they are experiencing and be understanding about certain situations that can trigger bipolar symptoms. 
5. Invite your friend or family member out for positive, stress free distractions.
6. Remind your friend or family member that, with time and treatment, he or she can get better. It doesn't have to suck forever. 

Remember, with time and the proper treatment, bipolar disorder doesn't have to suck forever. There is hope for a brighter tomorrow, even if today feels bleak.  Keep going, you will get there.