Love to Hate

Self Management Techniques For Bipolar Patient


 High functioning patients with bipolar disorder who have a long history of illness use a self management techniques to manage their illness.
There are six areas that effect their disorder: sleep, rest, exercise and diet; ongoing monitoring; enacting a plan; reflective and meditative practices; understanding bipolar disorder; and connecting with others.
Sufficient and regular sleep was identified as one of the most important strategies for maintaining or recovery. Choosing healthy foods, eating regularly scheduled meals, and taking vitamin supplements as was regular exercise.
The importance of learning to pay close attention to their moods and activities, in order to judge when to make changes is stressed. Planning for impending manic or depressive episodes,  either an informal understanding between family members or friends or a legal  document to guide decisions.
Reflective and meditative practices ranging from practices such as Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation to activities like regular journal keeping, inspirational reading, and praying can be used with success.
Information about their illness through a variety of sources including: books and newsletters, the internet, attending groups and talking to healthcare teams. Some also shared what they had learned with family member and friends.
Connecting with others was an important technique for many patients, but also keeping a balance between solitary and social time was important. Connections or support group included:  family and friends, professional support, and volunteering their time.
It is important for patients to discover the best coping strategy for themselves.
There are numerous ways to cope with the daily living as a Bipolar patient.  Living a Bipolar Life is difficult, frustrating but in the long run learning ways to help maintain a healthy lifestyle contributes greatly to the success of the medication treatment.