Categories: Health

Living With Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenge. It means taking multiple medications – some to manage depression, others to stabilize moods, and others to manage psychosis. These pills usually have to be taken multiple times a day and it can get to be a hassle. It’s not unheard of for people to just get fed up and stop taking their pills. This usually leads to dangerous behavior and/or a hospital stay. If you do things the right way though – you can live a happy life with bipolar disorder.

 

I was first given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder when I was 15, but because I didn’t respond to the first medications they tried they changed it back to depression. I was in my mid 20’s before I was finally properly treated. Today I am diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 with psychotic features. That sounds pretty scary! What it means is I have mood swings that go from mania (extreme highs) to depression (extreme lows) and along with the mood swings I can have hallucinations. I’ve been hospitalized many times. That doesn’t mean that everyone with bipolar disorder has to be hospitalized though. I have two other disorders which cause problems – borderline personality disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Put these three disorders together and it can be a perfect storm of chaos sometimes! My medications are getting more stable and I’m working on staying out of the hospital now.

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Taking my medications everyday is a big key to managing my bipolar disorder. Going to my therapy appointments and support groups are also very important. Even though medication controls a lot of my symptoms I still need support to deal with day to day situations and help for the problems the medication doesn’t control. I have also just started working with a case worker on things like crisis planning, for when I have really bad panic attacks or really lose my cool. Since my goal is to stay out of the hospital, a crisis plan will help me with that. It’s a challenge to live with bipolar disorder but with some dedication it can be done!

 




  • Lola

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    • Yes, taking at a time many pills for medication is dangerous for the health of mind and soul that is why self medication is an other serious problem for the patient. If someone feels such type of problem do these things at once as

      Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
      Avoid or minimize napping, especially if it interferes with your sleep at night.
      Avoid exercising or doing other stimulating activities late in the day.
      No caffeine after lunch or alcohol at night.

      You’re not powerless when it comes to bipolar disorder. Beyond the treatment you get from your doctor or therapist, there are many things you can do to reduce your symptoms and stay on track, including educating yourself about bipolar disorder, surrounding yourself with people you can count on, and leading a healthy “wellness” lifestyle.
      With good coping skills and a solid support system, you can live fully and productively and keep the symptoms of bipolar disorder in check.

      Living well with bipolar disorder requires certain adjustments. Like recovering alcoholics who avoid drinking or diabetics who take insulin, if you have bipolar disorder, it’s important to make healthy choices for yourself. Making these healthy choices will help you keep your symptoms under control, minimize mood episodes, and take control of your life.

      Managing bipolar disorder starts with proper treatment, including medication and therapy. But there is so much more you can do to help yourself on a day-to-day basis. These six tips can help you influence the course of your illness, enabling you to take greater control over your symptoms, to stay well longer, and to quickly rebound from any mood episode or relapse:

      Get involved in your treatment
      Monitor your symptoms and moods
      Reach out to others
      Develop a daily routine
      Manage stress
      Watch what you put in your body

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