Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes episodes of mania, depression, and regular moods. Treatments like medications and psychotherapy can keep this lifelong mood disorder under control. But bipolar disorder affects more than a person’s mental well-being. It can also take a toll on physical health and wellness. 

From the community:“I have found that exercise is helpful, too. It relieves stress and helps with chronic pain and depression. It doesn't have to be strenuous. I find that a group class is best for me. I won't quit prematurely due to pain, or fatigue. There are many "therapeutic" classes for yoga and fitness that won't "put you under". Everyone should do something physical for health and well being. Motivation can be a hug factor. JUST DO IT!” – Inspire member

How does bipolar disorder affect your physical health?

Bipolar disorder can affect physical health in a variety of ways. It may cause issues like:

• weight gain

• sedentary lifestyle 

• poor dietary choices

Weight gain

Some medications that treat bipolar disorder can contribute to excessive weight gain and make it harder to lose unwanted pounds. People with bipolar disorder who are extremely overweight or obese are more likely to develop a group of conditions known as metabolic syndrome. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome puts you at risk for strokes, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary lifestyle

Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and improves heart health. It also releases endorphins that boost moods. In fact, exercise is now a recommended treatment for depression. Experts believe it’s good medicine for bipolar disorder, too. Unfortunately, people with bipolar disorder are more likely to be sedentary. The reasons for this inactivity are numerous: 

• Depression: When you’re experiencing a depressive episode, you may find it difficult — if not impossible — to motivate yourself to move. You’re more likely to choose the couch over the treadmill. Lack of physical activity can worsen depression, leading to what some experts call “the inactivity trap.” The inactivity and depression exacerbate one another, creating an unhealthy cycle. 

• Medication side effects: As noted, some medications for bipolar disorder contribute to weight gain. Even though physical activity can help minimize this weight gain, not everyone wants to go to a gym, ride a bike, or swim. Some people become too self-conscious about their appearance. In addition, some medications to control mania have a sedating effect, which also depletes your desire to move. In contrast, people with uncontrolled mania may exercise too hard, too often, and for too many hours. Exercising too much can be hard on your body and psyche. It increases your risk of injury. 

From the community: “The endorphins are such potent chemicals that exercise is being recommended as a drug in conjunction with other therapies in the treatment of depression. I exercise most every morning and the good feeling lasts well into the day. I still have my share of anxiety in the mid to late afternoon, but it is worth it to feel good some part of the day anyway. So I'm not training for a marathon, I still mostly do an enhanced Leslie Sansone, but it makes me happy.” – Inspire member

Poor dietary choices 

For reasons that aren’t clear, you’re more likely to make poor dietary choices when you have bipolar disorder. You may seek comfort in higher calorie, high-fat, starchy foods when feeling depressed. Or you may lack the energy to go to the grocery store and spend the time making a nutritious meal. These food choices can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other metabolic syndrome conditions. 

One study found that the diets of people with bipolar disorder are often lacking in heart-protective polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats, found in nuts, seeds, fish, and certain oils like safflower, help lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglycerides. They may also decrease mood swings.

From the community: “When I exercise even a little, like dancing, gardening, cleaning my home, and walking, my mood feels better. I like to exercise to music.” – Inspire member

How can you improve your physical health when you have bipolar disorder?

It isn’t easy for anyone to change behaviors and make healthier lifestyle decisions. Your therapist may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, to help you gradually make small changes that promote better physical health. If you feel that the medications you’re taking are negatively impacting your physical health, talk to your psychiatrist or prescribing physician about treatment options. 

Remember to start slow and be kind to yourself when you start to make changes like: 

• Pushing yourself to take “opposite actions”: When depression makes you want to stay in bed, ask a friend to go on a walk. When mania makes you want to push too hard at the gym, schedule a massage or try yoga instead. It may be helpful to let a friend or loved one know about your intentions, so they can partner with you and help you stay on the right track.

• Finding an activity that makes you happy: You don’t have to join a gym or buy workout clothes. Get creative in your pursuits. You can try a martial art or become an active gardener. Taking your dog for a walk counts. If you don’t have a furry companion, consider becoming a paid dog walker. As a bonus, studies show that these four-legged friends help lower stress and anxiety.

• Consulting a dietitian: An expert may have you keep a food journal to track your eating habits. They can then suggest ways to improve your diet without leaving you feeling deprived. 

Sources

• Mental health vs. physical health. Association of California School Administrators. June 2021.

• Exercise: Why exercise is important to your quality of life. Bipolar Wellness Centre. 

• DBSA wellness wheel: Your physical wellness. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

• Dalkner N, et al. Metabolic syndrome impairs executive function in bipolar disorder. Frontiers in Neuroscience. August 2021.

• Thomson D, et al. A brief review of exercise, bipolar disorder, and mechanistic pathways. Frontiers in Psychology. March 2015. 

• Living with bipolar disorder. HelpGuide. August 2022.

• Sylvia LG, et al. Nutrition, exercise, and wellness treatment in bipolar disorder: Proof of concept for a consolidated intervention. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. October 2013.

• Bauer IE, et al. Lifestyle interventions targeting dietary habits and exercise in bipolar disorder: A systemic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research. March 2016. 

• Evans SJ, et al. Plasma linoleic acid partially mediates the association of bipolar disorder on self-reported mental health scales. Journal of Psychiatric Research. September 2015.

• Living with bipolar disorder. National Health Service (UK). March 2019.

• Living well with bipolar disorder. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). June 2022.

• From walking to swimming: How to cope with bipolar disorder using physical fitness. The Speedy Foundation. 

• 9 healthy activities for people with bipolar disorder. Vantage Point. 

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.