Habits of Successful People Living with Bipolar Disorder by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Individuals who live with bipolar disorder can be successful. The key to living successfully with bipolar disorder comes down to healthy habits:
They meet with a mental health professional. This can include a therapist and/or psychiatrist. Meeting with a therapist allows the individual to explore and problem solve sources of stress, which often includes relationships, work, and lifestyle as well as what they’re struggling with internally. Therapy also assists individuals in identifying deep struggles that may be hindering them from moving forward in life, such as a significant trauma or difficult family relationships. A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor that makes recommendations on medications. There are many options available for individuals living with bipolar disorder and oftentimes the medications make the diagnosis manageable enough that allow the person to use the strategies talked about in therapy.
They follow a sleep routine. A huge component in managing bipolar disorder is going to bed at the same time each night. This can be especially difficulty during the summer months because individuals living with bipolar disorder are sensitive to the changes in daylight. Interested in learning more about sleep? Click here to watch my video post Tips For Improving Sleep
They have healthy support systems. This can include friends, specific family members, partner(s), or a support group. Some individuals have specific family members who are understanding, empathetic, and supportive. Those that don’t already have this seek out individuals who can provide this, such as friend or support groups.
They eat regularly and limit alcohol intake. Eating a healthy diet doesn’t get rid of bipolar disorder, it’s just one way to take care of the body by providing it with nourishment. Alcohol can disrupt sleep and some medications cannot be taken if an individual is drinking alcohol.
They track their mood and lifestyle. Mood and lifestyle trackers help individuals check in with themselves to see how they’re feeling and what their routine is like. It can be easy to go about your day without much thought and most mood tracking apps remind individuals to complete their tracker at a designated time each day. I recommend the following app: DBSA wellness tracker.
They’ve identified their triggers and how to manage them. A major trigger is irritability. Irritability is part of the diagnosis, so it will not go away; however, it can be managed when it happens and there may be a point where an individual will either experience it less frequently or in less severity. Interested in learning more about this?
Want to know more?
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.
**IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. **