Can you prevent manic or depressive episodes? Maybe not all of the time, but you may be able to minimize them. Here are strategies that can help:
Take your medication as prescribed at about the same time every day. Never stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor first. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable side effects or believe you no longer need the medicine or prefer to try something new, consult your physician. If you should forget to take your medication but remember later in the day, however, go ahead and take it.
Know your triggers. Think back on the events in your life that preceded each of your manic and depressive episodes. See if you can find any common bonds. Did your manic episodes always occur after you’d stayed up all night? Did depressive episodes always follow personal failures? Did episodes occur when you were overworked or under a lot of stress? Ask yourself what triggers the stress in your life and learn how to minimize it.
Monitor your moods. Jot down how you feel at the same time each day on a calendar, journal or mood chart that you can get from your doctor. If you start to see yourself sliding into either a very euphoric “hyper” period, or a depressive period, seek help at once.
Build a good support system. Join a support group and listen to people when they tell you they suspect you of showing symptoms of depression or mania. Keep phone numbers handy of people you can call for help if you’re feeling blue or out of control. Consider having your family members participate in therapy with you. Recent research from Brown University finds that people with bipolar disorder who are on their medication during relapse and also in family therapy, were much less likely to need hospitalization for mood episodes than people who did not participate in therapy.
Keep a regular schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day and eat regular, well-rounded meals. Refrain from drinking alcohol or using drugs recreationally. Fit exercise into your day and minimize stress when possible.
Take life one day at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, write down the things you need to get done and set up a schedule that’s reasonable. Check things off as you complete them to feel a sense of accomplishment. Be sure to ask for help from family, friends or co-workers when necessary.
Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. Maintain an active discussion with your doctor about your progress, as well as about new and promising treatments.
Consider using psychotherapy in addition to medication. People with bipolar disorder who both take medication and use psychotherapy do better than those who use either method alone. (For more on treatment, see Feel Better with Treatment.)
Do something fun each and every day, whether it’s calling up a friend for a good laugh, taking your dog for a walk, or listening to your favorite music. Managing your bipolar disorder is possible with the help of medication, therapy, the support of loved ones and most of all, by cultivating your own good habits.
Take your medication as prescribed at about the same time every day. Never stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor first. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable side effects or believe you no longer need the medicine or prefer to try something new, consult your physician. If you should forget to take your medication but remember later in the day, however, go ahead and take it.
Before you go to your doctor’s office, be prepared to ask these questions, according to your situation:
