There are a variety of methods one can put to use to help yourself with bipolar disorder. Individuals should take an active role in their own treatment and self-care – feeling better and getting better is an active, daily process. While medications and psychotherapy are usually recommended to treat bipolar disorder, there are additional steps one can take to improve one’s condition.

Learning more

Learning more about bipolar disorder is the easiest thing a person can do to help themselves. There is a wealth of information online, but there are also some very good self-help books that provide an in-depth understanding of bipolar disorder and techniques that can be used to improve your daily life.

Getting support and understanding

During a manic phase you may be quite unaware that your actions are distressing or damaging to other people. Later, you may feel guilty and ashamed. It can be especially difficult if those around you seem afraid or hostile. It helps if you provide people with information about bipolar disorder.

After going through a manic depressive episode you may find it difficult to trust others, and may want to cut yourself off. These feelings are to be expected after experiencing such difficulties, but it may be far more helpful to talk through your emotions and experiences with friends, family, careers or a counselor.

There are now many support groups – both in the real world and online – where people who have gone through similar problems can come together to support each other. For instance, check out Psych Central’s Bipolar Support Group or the NeuroTalk Bipolar Support Group.

Managing your own condition

Self-management involves finding out about bipolar disorder and developing the skills to recognize and control mood swings early, before they become full blown.

It can be very difficult at first to tell whether a bipolar “high” is really the beginning of a manic episode or whether you are just feeling more confident, creative and socially at ease. It can be a strain watching out for symptoms all the time, particularly when you are first learning about the effect bipolar disorder might have on your life. There are various guides to self-managing bipolar disorder. They may feature checklists and exercises to help you recognize and control mood swings, like mood diaries, tips on self-medication, and practical tips for dealing with depression and mania. Self management is by no means instant, and can take some time to use effectively. However, you may find you need to rely less on professionals, and have more control over mood swings. This can lead to greater self-confidence and lessens relapse.

Day-to-day life

Routine is important, as well as good diet, enough sleep, exercise and enough vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Gentle stress free activities also help, like yoga or swimming. You could also try complementary therapies, such as reflexology and massage.

Working life

It’s important to take things slowly and avoid stressful situations. If you already have a job, you might want to find out if you can return on a part-time basis to start with. If you are a student, most colleges and universities will offer good support and advice.

Recovery

Bipolar disorder need not be chronic and it can be possible to recover. There is a growing recovery movement among survivors. Developing countries have a far higher non-relapse rate than industrialized countries. Great recovery tools are hope, love, support and work.

What's Related

• Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar Risk Factors
• Who Gets Bipolar Disorder?
• Treatment of Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
• Treating Bipolar Disorder
• Coping With Bipolar Disorder
• Talking to a Professional About Bipolar Disorder
• How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
• Talking to a Doctor About Bipolar Disorder
• How Bipolar Disorder is Diagnosed