5 Techniques for Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by mood changes between highs (known as mania) and lows (depression). There are two forms of bipolar disorder. Type 1 is characterized by significant periods of mania, while type 2 may have low periods of mania but is primarily associated with more depression.

These shifting moods, when not properly controlled, can make a person feel out of control. It can be frustrating, and some sufferers have said it often feels as though they are strangers in their own body. Although many think the depression side of bipolar disorder is what makes it so dangerous, but it is the episodes of mania which are so problematic.

Individuals in a manic episode are often unpredictable, jittery, anxious, and sometimes prone to bouts of anger. They may suffer from derealization (the feeling it is all a dream), desensitization (an inability to feel anything), and under severe causes, psychosis (a total break from reality, also known as a “psychotic break”).

Coping with bipolar disorder can be difficult, but there are many things you can do to both lessen and better control the symptoms.

Tips & Tricks For Coping With Bipolar Disorder

1. Reducing your stress can help reduce the amount of mood changes and their severity. Take up yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, or mild exercise like walking. Practice deep breathing exercises, and if a situation is particularly stressful, step away to calm down.

2. Taking good care of your body can also help you to cope with bipolar disorder. Like all mental health problems, severe episodes can be caused by stress or bad physical health. Drink eight glass of water, get eight hours of sleep each night, and eat a well balanced diet. Strength training and light cardio are also great ideas.

3. When you feel like you are losing control, talk to someone. This could be a parent, best friend, spouse, or professional. Talking to someone about what you are feeling can help it feel a little more normal, and it also allows someone else to help keep an eye on you when things are really bad.

4. If your doctor has prescribed you a medication to help with your bipolar disorder, make sure you continue taking it regularly. Taking your medication at the same time every day helps to maximize the benefits.

5. Keep a journal to track your bipolar symptoms. Note when you feel manic, or depressed. When you have panic attacks, suffer derealization or desensitization, or when anything in your mood shifts. This can help you and your doctor figure out if there are specific targets which make your disorder worse.