Take your life back.
Bipolar is a mental illness that affects your mood, attention, and energy level. After getting the diagnosis, you may be scared and wonder how to live your life. The uncertainty can be nerve-wracking. The good thing is that the life-long illness, though uncurable, can be maintained using medication.
Mental illnesses are taking a little too long to be identified. Bipolar disorder is one of those mental illnesses that aren’t identified on time. The best thing that could happen to anyone with bipolar is getting an accurate diagnosis. The correct medication, therapy and a sound support system are essential in helping you to live a healthy life. This article will help you figure out how to take your life back to normal after diagnosis.
1. Learn more about the disorder
When it comes to anything that affects your life, it’s essential to stay on top of things. Consequently, if you have been diagnosed with bipolar, make sure that you research on all the information regarding the disorder that you can get your hands on. Get to know more on the causes, symptoms, and risk factors that can trigger the extreme mood swings.
Knowing as much as you can about the disorder will help keep track of any changes in how you feel. Ensure that you talk to your doctor about what you know and don’t be afraid of being inquisitive, you have every right to be.
2. Keep tabs on your moods
After gathering information about the disorder, make sure that you apply the knowledge by monitoring your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour pattern. Constant observation aids in preventing any episodes of manic depression. When you have mood swings, it’s hard to control; hence, prevention and maintenance is an optimum solution.
Identify some of the things that trigger the mood swings, whether it ranges from stress to lack of sleep, stay aware. Make a list of the symptoms of both the manic and depressive phases of the disorder so that you can see the warning signs.
Some warning signs for both mania and depression include:
- Withdrawal
- Sleeping more
- Irritable
- Lack of concentration
- Moving around more than normal
3. Create a routine
Whatever you choose to do daily affects how you feel. For this reason, it’s crucial to have a routine. An established pattern of how you spend your day will not only keep you busy but also improve on how you feel.
Make a daily or weekly timetable that you will adhere to religiously. It’s essential to set goals so that you work towards something. The goals can be daily, monthly, or long term. The best part about setting goals and achieving them; however small is the boost in your self-confidence.
It’s vital to keep a strict sleeping schedule. Getting fewer hours of sleep than your body can trigger mania while sleeping for longer will spoil your mood.
4. Get a solid support system
Most people who have a mental illness say that they get better because of the love and support of their family, friends, doctors, and therapists. Medication alone cant get you through the illness without the love and support.
Talking about how you feel to your family and friends goes a long way. They will also be the ones who notice and steer you in the right direction if you start to show symptoms.
The support system doesn’t have to be limited to your family and friends. Join a support group for people living with bipolar. Being around other people living with bipolar will help everyone get some new tips on how to cope and thrive.
5. Manage your stress levels and eat healthily
Keeping stress to a minimum is in your best interest. Stress can trigger episodes of mania and depression. Knowing your limit in terms of work or even interactions is essential. Incorporate activities in your daily life that help you relax. The events may be anything ranging from mediation, painting, reading, listening to music, or sewing.
Take care of your body by eating healthy and exercising when you get the chance. The food you ingest correlates with your mood. Reduce your sugar and fat intake. Make sure that you take all your meals so that you won’t get too hungry and your sugar levels won’t be too low.
Finally
It’s possible to live a healthy life even after being diagnosed with an uncurable mood disorder. You have to be committed to your journey and surround yourself with people who give you love and support.
