The following are some ways that may help you to reduce manic and depressive episodes. To what extent these self-care activities help, I do not know, but one thing is for sure if you do nothing then nothing changes.
Keeping yourself on a daily schedule is vital. It is important to eat 3 meals a day or eat small amounts throughout the day. Eating one meal later on in the day has been said to make your BP harder to treat. This new eating schedule will also assist you with weight loss that many face when taking medications.
It is imperative that you stay on a schedule regarding your sleep too. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time. Lack of sleep can trigger mania. Many people with the BP have difficulty leaving an enjoyable project due to having the BP to go to bed and get the rest we need. We need to sleep at least 8 hours a day, depending upon how much your body needs.
Keeping a mood chart daily can be valuable by helping you and your Dr. determine which medications are helping, etc. Also, it is important for you to keep one so that you can learn to identify your triggers. Is it stress or something else? Take a new diary and write in it every day and take it with you every time you visit the Doctor and show it to him.
Managing your stress is extremely important as stress can easily trigger an episode. Learn what works to reduce your stress. This could include: exercise, meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, soft music, etc, try and remove yourself from all stressful situations when possible. Long walks first thing in the morning is the best medicine to help clear your head and set you up for the day.
Exercise helps to reduce depression, especially aerobics, and also helps to rid you of manic extra energy. If you are just starting out and not in good shape, be sure and see your Dr. before you begin your exercise routine. In regards to aerobic exercise, people have experienced a great deal of difference in their moods, their stability, outlook on life, plus energy level and they sleep better as well. You will come to realize that aerobic exercise has been rated very high as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
Try and avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, Smoking, Toxic People and/or Negative People, Stress and Antihistamines at all times. Vitamins and Herbs are not recommended in lieu of medication for Bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is a medical disorder requiring a lifetime of medication. Many people literally gamble with their lives by thinking that vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements can be taken instead of medication. This attitude opens one up to episodes of mania and depression.
Your diet should contain lean protein such as chicken, lean red meat, turkey and complex carbohydrates, which will come from vegetables, fruits and some grains. Avoid sugar and saturated fat, and avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, carbonated beverages, food colourings, flavourings, preservatives and other additives.
Food allergies can aggravate mood swings so if you feel a mood change then turn the lights down, no loud sounds. Remove yourself from a stressful situation. Take any medication your Dr. recommends. Call Dr. if needed. Slow deep breathing. Close your eyes and do some guided imagery. Imagine yourself in a safe, beautiful place where you are completely relaxed.
65 yo, live in Townsville North Queensland Au. have 3 children and 6 Grandchildren. Hobbies are Golf, Fishing, Photography and Health and Wellness. http://liveto101.com
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