Living with Bipolar Disorder: Tips for Daily Management

It’s estimated that 1 in 40 American adults deal with bipolar disorder. A combination of medication and therapy is often the best way to treat the depression that comes with this disorder. But, those things can take time to be effective. 

You might be wondering what you can do on your own, every day, to manage your bipolar depression. Symptom management can make a big difference in how you feel. It can reduce the severity of your episodes, and help you feel more in control of your mental well-being and emotions. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to manage bipolar depression daily. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out for help and work with a professional. But, taking more control of your symptoms can empower you and help you realize that you’re so much more than your condition. 

Lean On Your Support System

You don’t have to deal with bipolar depression on your own. Surrounding yourself with positive relationships can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself, and it can help to reduce stress. 

Focus on bringing friends and family members into your life who are willing to help you through the ups and downs. Don’t be afraid to talk about your condition, and don’t feel like you need to hide it. Eventually, those in your inner circle will become aware of any warning signs that you might be experiencing a mood shift, and they can help you work through it. 

Channel Your Energy

Managing stress and finding healthy ways to channel your energy can make it easier to keep your symptoms from feeling so overwhelming. Consider the things that interest you and how you can include them more frequently in your day-to-day life. It might include things like running, hiking, joining a fitness class, or dancing. 

If you want something that doesn’t feel so fast-paced, find ways to channel your energy that can also reduce stress. Meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and yoga are all excellent forms of self-care that can be done almost anywhere, and they can help you place your energy in a positive direction. 

Create a Daily Routine

We often think of routines as something that are important for kids. But, adults can benefit just as much from having a stable daily routine. If you’re dealing with bipolar depression, a healthy routine can make it easier to balance your mood.

Your routine should fit your needs and the goals you’ve set for yourself. It could include waking up around the same time each day, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. 

Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes you’re making to your diet, especially if you’re on medication. It’s also important to discuss the quality of your sleep with your psychiatrist.

Keep Track of Your Moods

Creating a daily mood chart can make it easier for you to identify triggers. Essentially, you’re collecting data on how you feel, treatments that work (and don’t work as well), and anything that might affect your moods or make your symptoms worse. 

After tracking your moods for a while, you’ll have a clearer picture of when you tend to experience bigger episodes. Working with your doctor & your therapist, you can use that information to fine-tune your treatment plan. 

Work With a Professional

Finally, in addition to seeing a doctor for your physical well-being, consider working with a therapist or joining a support group with others dealing with bipolar depression. These professionals can help you better understand your own condition. The more you educate yourself on it, the easier it will be to feel more in control. 

A therapist can also help you work through your moods so they start to feel less overwhelming. We know bipolar disorder specialists are not common and finding a bipolar disorder therapist near you requires some searching. One of our therapists, Kyle Short, LMHC specializes in bipolar disorder and can see clients in Miami and all throughout the state of Florida through our online counseling platform. He brings many years of experience working with clients who experience Bipolar Disorder as an individual and group therapist.

Whether you’re taking medication for bipolar depression or not, don’t hesitate to try these tips to make daily management easier and more effective.