Living with Bipolar Disorder: Coping Strategies for Daily Life

Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness that has affected millions of people across the world. It leads to sudden changes in mood from the normal to the low or the high. These mood swings can be quite exhausting but mastering how to manage them is important for the quality of life. In this blog, I will share some strategies on how to cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder to live normal lives.

Recognizing Triggers

The first step in the process of controlling bipolar disorder is to determine what leads to the changes in mood. Some of them may be stress, variations in the sleep-wake cycle, or even specific locations. It is therefore possible to have a remarkable improvement in managing mood swings if one can identify and steer clear of the following triggers.

• How to Identify Triggers: It is also recommended to take a diary with you and write down your mood, diet, and activity for a day. Eventually, you may be able to identify specific factors that lead to manic or depressive episodes.
• Minimizing Exposure to Triggers: When you have listed your triggers, it will be easier for you to avoid or at least reduce the chances of being exposed to them. For instance, if stress is the trigger, it is advisable to find ways of reducing stress in the daily schedule.

Developing a Routine

People who are affected by bipolar disorder will have to deal with moods that fluctuate frequently. However, having a schedule can help to establish a certain order and predictability in the life of a person with bipolar disorder. Having a balanced daily schedule will go a long way in preventing mood swings.

• Maintaining a Sleep Schedule: It is established that sleep disturbances are rampant in bipolar disorder and that insufficient sleep can lead to manic episodes. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and try to go to bed at the same time every day.
• Time Management: Create a feasible timetable where professional and personal duties meet relaxation and personal needs. This can help to avoid the sensation of being flooded and may help to minimize the occurrence of mood changes.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress has been found to precipitate both the manic and the depressive states. It is therefore important to learn how to handle stress to manage bipolar disorder.

• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Other than that, one can practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress in the event of a stressful moment.
• Incorporate Physical Activity: It is known that exercise helps to elevate mood by releasing endorphins. Some of the measures include exercising, such as yoga, walking, or cycling, which has the effect of reducing stress and offering emotional support.
• Engage in Self-Care: Some of the things that you should do include reading, painting, or spending time with your friends and family. It is important to create some intervals for fun, as this reduces stress.

Building a Support System

A strong support system in this case can go a long way in helping someone live with bipolar disorder. However, this does not necessarily mean that one should give up on people to avoid being a burden to them.

• Family and Friends: Make sure that you share with your family and friends about your condition and what they can do for you when you are in the manic and depressive states.
• Support Groups: Engage in a bipolar disorder support group and meet people who are going through the same thing as you are. This peer support can be very empowering.
• Professional Help: It also requires going for therapy sessions at a specific frequency and checking in with a psychiatrist to assess your state and changes, if any.

Managing Medication and Therapy

Medication and psychotherapy often form a major part of the treatment plan that many people with bipolar disorder require. It is important to manage these treatments properly to maintain stability.

• Stay Consistent with Medication: It is important to use drugs only as recommended by the doctor and at specific times of the day. Failure to take scheduled doses or even the decision to stop taking medication may cause the patient to become quite moody.
• Therapy: Lifestyle changes, including CBT and other forms of psychotherapy, help control bipolar disorder by promoting healthy thinking and problem-solving. Ensure that you take your usual appointments to check up on your mental health.
• Communication with Your Doctor: Reach out to your healthcare provider and share any issues you may have, whether or not you are having side effects, or if you do not believe the treatment is working.

Dealing with Mood Swings

Mood swings are one of the most important symptoms of bipolar disorder but both depressive and manic states can be regulated.

• Coping with Depressive Episodes: Do positive things, no matter how much it might be a challenge. Even such basic activities as going for a walk, doing a light workout, or talking to people can work wonders for your mood.
• Managing Mania: Cognitive reconstructions include avoiding stimulation and decision-making during manic episodes. Ensure that you manage your energy and, as much as possible, seek to take time off to relax.

Planning for Setbacks

Living with bipolar disorder often means facing setbacks, but being prepared can help mitigate the effects. It will help you to feel more prepared when the symptoms escalate if you have a plan.

• Create a Crisis Plan: Engage your doctor and your friends and family in developing a coping plan in case of escalation of symptoms. This plan should include whom to contact, what changes may need to be made to your treatment, and how you are going to protect yourself.
• Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: It is recommended to inform your immediate family or friends about your condition and how they may help you in a time of crisis. This can help avoid the worsening of the situation and make sure that you get the assistance you require.

Treatment and Support

Having bipolar disorder does not necessarily mean that one’s life is a misery; it is possible to find balance and enjoy life. Learning your triggers, following a schedule, reducing stress, and being around people who care for you will help you with the fluctuating nature of bipolar disorder.

If you or your loved one has bipolar disorder, Deland Treatment Solutions is here to assist you. Our staff consists of mental health professionals who will work with you to design an effective bipolar treatment plan to restore your control over your daily life.

For more information on our bipolar disorder treatment program and how we can assist you in handling the symptoms, contact us today.