How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?

 

It may be very hard to take that first step to help yourself. It may take time, but you can get better with treatment.

To help yourself:

• Talk to your doctor about treatment options and progress.
• Keep a regular routine, such as going to sleep at the same time every night and eating meals at the same time every day.
• Try hard to get enough sleep.
• Stay on your medication.
• Learn about warning signs signaling a shift into depression or mania.
• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately.

Where can I go for help?

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are listed below.

• Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
• Health maintenance organizations
• Community mental health centers
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
• Mental health programs at universities or medical schools
• State hospital outpatient clinics
• Family services, social agencies, or clergy
• Peer support groups
• Private clinics and facilities
• Employee assistance programs
• Local medical and/or psychiatric societies.

What if I or someone I know is in crisis?

If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.

• Call your doctor.
• Call Emergency support or abulance
• Ask the closest neighbours or family to keep a watch till help arrives
• Make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone.
   

How can caregivers find support?

Like other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can be difficult for spouses, family members, friends, and other caregivers. 

Relatives and friends often have to cope with the person's serious behavioral problems, such as wild spending sprees during mania, extreme withdrawal during depression, or poor work or school performance. 

These behaviors can have lasting consequences.

Caregivers usually take care of the medical needs of their loved ones. But caregivers have to deal with how this affects their own health as well. 

Caregivers' stress may lead to missed work or lost free time, strained relationships with people who may not understand the situation, and physical and mental exhaustion.

It can be very hard to cope with a loved one's bipolar symptoms. 

One study shows that if a caregiver is under a lot of stress, his or her loved one has more trouble following the treatment plan, which increases the chance for a major bipolar episode.

If you are a caregiver of someone with bipolar disorder, it is important that you also make time to take care of yourself.