Wellness Wednesday-Bipolar Disorder

For this Wellness Wednesday I am going to stick with this week's theme, bipolar disorder. I scoured the Internet to find the best ways to maintain a positive well-being when struggling with bipolar disorder.

First, I have to say that I believe that when you suffer from a mental health disorder, medication is an important tool to use when trying to obtain a healthy well-being. I understand that there are some of us out there who do not believe in medicating themselves. In fact, I know and love people with this opinion. And that's totally fine. But on my blog, I am very medication positive. So to each their own. 

Also, I am not a doctor. This content is for entertainment/informational purposes only. If you struggle from a mental health disorder, or think that you might, always consult your doctor when making changes to a current routine or starting a new routine to address your mental health. 

So, if you have bipolar disorder, here are some ways to take care of yourself and boost your well-being. I mean really, the following things can be practiced by anyone, bipolar or not, and be beneficial.

1. Make Time For Regular Sleep

Even though you may not feel tired, getting a good nights rest can work wonders on your mood. Make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday. That way, you and your body will know what to expect.

2. Make Time For Exercise

To reduce stress, there is nothing more effective than exercise. Also, one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is weight gain. Exercise can only help that situation. Don't worry if you are feeling unmotivated or unsure of where to start. You don't have to go crazy. Start slow and build up your strength and endurance. Just take a walk around your neighborhood or practice some gentle yoga. Turn on some music and dance in your kitchen. Really anything that gets your blood pumping will be incredibly beneficial to your mind and body.

3. Make Time For Me Time

At least once a week, do something that feeds your soul. If you can do this daily, even better. This will reduce stress and just make you feel good. Taking time for "me time" also serves to remind you that you are important, an individual with interests, and that your disorder does not define you. If you haven't taken time for yourself in a long time, it may be overwhelming to think about what to do. Connect with yourself, and rediscover what you love or would like to do. The thing that you never have time for? Do that. Some other ideas: take a nice long bath with gorgeous beauty products, write down your dreams in a journal, exercise, (see above!) or find your inner artist and express yourself through art. 

4. Make Time To Stay Sober

Mixing drugs and/or alcohol with bipolar disorder can be disastrous. These substances aggravate your disorder, and can trigger some really negative symptoms and behaviors. Most notably, having an altered state of mind can make you more susceptible to engaging in dangerous or risky behavior like gambling, a credit card maxing shopping spree or spontaneous sex with a stranger. It's better to just stay away from drugs and alcohol and focus instead on being your best self through healthy practices. 

5. Make Time For Treatment

Focusing on your recovery plan and putting in the work necessary to continue your recovery journey will help you to be in control and feel in control. Be sure to keep all doctor appointments. Show up prepared to discuss your symptoms and any problems you have experienced. Have a list of questions ready. I find it helpful to keep an ongoing list or outline throughout the month to bring to my monthly appointment. 

If you are on medication, take it as prescribed. Your doctor decided on that medication in that exact dose for a reason. They are the expert. So follow their instructions exactly. You may think that a tweak here or there will be okay but guess what? Sometimes you do not know what is best for you. Trust your doctor.

Lastly, to echo what I mentioned earlier about keeping a list of questions or outline, start keeping a mood diary. This will help you to keep track of your experience and ensure that you will not forget about any key moments. Your doctor will be thrilled to have such a detailed account of your life, and you may be able to recognize some patterns, triggers or negative behaviors that you can avoid in the future.

6. Make Time For Support

Joining a support group for bipolar disorder can help you to feel less alone. Having a sense of community is so helpful on your healing journey. You will be able to trade war stories, celebrate successes and swap advice with like-minded people. Any opportunity that you may stumble across to talk about how you feel is so beneficial. This is particularly true when you are talking to people who share your experience.  

7. Make Time For Awareness

Something that is so important for your well-being is being able to recognize and address potential problems when they occur. Being aware of your warning signs and triggers will help keep you in control of your disorder. If you or friends and family notice a difference in your mood or behavior, don't brush it off as nothing. Own it and immediately contact your doctor to discuss the changes. They will help to lead you in the right direction.