Helpful Tips for People with Bipolar Disorder
I thought it would be nice to have a list of things that people with bd can do, whether or not they’re on medication, that might help them cope. People should feel free to add things to this list because different things work for different people!
Make yourself wake up at a certain time and go to bed at a certain time. Having an inconsistent sleep schedule can trigger mood swings and/or make them worse.
tips on how to fall asleep if you’re having trouble: [x]
If your anxiety is really flaring up or if your mania is giving you the shakes I find that calming scents help me a lot. I personally use the Eucalyptus Spearmint products from Bath & Body Works.
This is kind of an add-on to the last one but the warm water helps relax your muscles. So if you find yourself getting tense for whatever reason then this might help a bit.
I’ve found that stress balls or things that I can squeeze as hard as I can help with the anger that often accompanies my mania.
Exercise is another thing that I find helpful when I’m angry because it helps tire me out. That way I’m concentrating all my angry energy into exercising and not into something negative.
I’m a very forgetful person which is apparently pretty common among people with bipolar disorder. I find that making lists and taking notes is the best way to help me remember things.
Depressive episodes can make it really really hard to want to do anything. So I find it better to set small goals and then check them off as you go. (ex. Get out of bed. Check. Take a shower. Check. Brush your teeth. Check. etc.) This way you’re not overwhelming yourself all at once and it’ll make you feel like you’re accomplishing things.
This is obviously really important when you’re hallucinating or dissociating but I also find that it can be helpful when you’re manic or depressed.
here are some grounding exercises: [x]
think about things that make you feel safe
As someone who gets a lot of paranoid delusions, I use this tip a lot. What will make you feel safe in this situation? Do you need to lock your door for a little while? Need to hold a soft blanket? Need to talk to someone on the phone?
However, you also must consider what is a healthy outlet and what is not. For example: locking your door until you’ve calmed down is perfectly acceptable but carrying a knife around out of fear could potentially cause you or someone else harm. So you should weigh the pros and cons before doing something.
It’s really important for you to understand what causes you feel a certain way because then you will be able to figure out the best way to cope with that trigger.
Whether it’s a family member, a friend, an online friend, a support group, or whoever: find someone you can talk to about it. It really does wonders to be able to vent about things and get things off your chest.
tips if you’re dissociating while driving: [x]
Obviously, this isn’t a complete list and somethings may work for some people and not for others. So, again, feel free to add things that help you/you think would help other people with bd.
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