Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes intense mood, energy, and activity level shifts. Some people struggle with intense manic episodes where they feel incredibly happy and full of energy. They also battle deep depressive states where sadness and low energy seem unrelenting.
This is a very real and life-changing mental health disorder, and one we treat at Willow Creek Behavioral Health. Treatment begins with an assessment and medications for managing episodes. Yet, along with this process comes the need to manage daily life and responsibilities.
How do you manage life when you have a serious mental health disorder?
Serious Mental Health Disorders Are Treatable, and You Can Live a Long, Happy Life
Bipolar disorder doesn’t mean a person is weak or that they have some type of character flaw. It’s not something you can just snap out of either. There’s no simple way around these symptoms.
Most people can see remarkable improvements in their quality of life through treatment. We strongly encourage you to contact us now if you are facing a bipolar diagnosis. Clinical treatment and medication management are essential first steps.
Strategies for Managing Life’s Challenges
Once you find a balance with medication and treatment, you’ll feel better and more in control over your life and thought processes. That doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easier. For people with disorders like bipolar disorder, there are times when things can still seem to be impossible to manage. These tips for managing bipolar may help you.
Know That Substances Increase Risks
One of the most important factors for those living with bipolar is recognizing the way other substances can impact their quality of life and symptoms. The use of alcohol or nonprescription drugs changes the way your bipolar medications interact with your brain chemicals. This leads to intensifying symptoms and, in some cases, debilitating outcomes.
Having a drink isn’t that simple. Talk to your therapist about the impact alcohol or drugs can have on the medications you’re taking. If you feel compelled to use substances to manage your symptoms, you may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, which treats mental health disorders alongside substance use disorders.
Build a Tribe
Bipolar disorder impacts about 2.8% of US adults. It’s not uncommon and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Recognizing that is the first step in realizing that other people can actually be allies in your battle. Involve others who can help you:
- Understand your condition
- Notice early warning signs of episodes building
- Provide you with better care because they understand what is happening with you
- Provide an outlet to talk through difficult moments
- Identify the behaviors and actions you have that signal the onset of a mania episode
- Get help when you need it
Early help in these situations helps you recognize the need for help or the need to make changes. This may mean preventing symptoms from escalating.
Know Your Early Warning Signs
Most people develop signs or warning signals that they are entering a significant shift. Look for patterns that bring on these changes. That may include shifts in responsibilities, circumstances, or people around you.
Look for patterns that propel you forward towards an episode, such as thought patterns. You may even notice changes in the way your friends or family treat you, indicating their recognition of a concern.
Sleep and Recharge
Many people experience triggers that intensify symptoms with stress. The best way to manage stress is to give your body the ability to recharge:
- A journal enables you to express feelings each day instead of bottling them up.
- Exercise or other types of relaxation help to alleviate much of the intense inflammation.
- Develop a creative outlet that lets you express thoughts in real time instead of bottling them up.
- Know when to stop and step away. Many people simply need a full-on stop. That may mean entering into treatment for a short period of time. It may also mean just taking the day to yourself to process and heal.
- Recognize the changes that impact your moods and prepare for them. Changes can shift the thought process. Recognize that this is happening early on.
Most importantly, give yourself the ability to ask for help. There are times when life becomes challenging beyond what you can manage yourself. You don’t have to manage it alone.
Get Treatment When You Need More Support and a Reset
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we offer immediate help for those in difficult situations. When you need more than just a day off, reach out to us for immediate help. Contact us now to learn how we can help you manage bipolar disorder.
