Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder that causes fluctuations between mania (high-energy state), depression (low-energy state), and regular emotional states. With proper treatments, self-care, and the support of loved ones, the majority of people with bipolar disorder lead long, healthy, and happy lives. 

From the community: “I also have bipolar disorder. It is difficult for us and also difficult for those around us. They cannot understand, but they do love you... I was advised that this disorder is managed better when we stick to a routine. Regular hours of sleep. Eating well and regularly. Not making major changes without thinking things through. The disruptions in our lives (even positive ones) can trigger manic or depressive episodes…” – Inspire member

Living your best life with bipolar disorder

Managing a lifelong mental health disorder, as well as coping with the associated mental illness stigma, can be challenging. These tips can help you lead your best life:

• take your medications

• talk to a therapist and others 

• adopt a healthy lifestyle

From the community: “I struggled along for many years afraid to take medication for fear of side effects. As with many drugs, there are side effects and those must be assessed for benefit and acceptability. As medicine is not an exact science, if medication is deemed beneficial for you, it will likely take time to find the correct medication and dosage for you. I still have anxiety and the bipolar mood swings, but with effective medicine, it is much less severe which for me is tremendous. Speak with your doctor and therapist about medications as there are medications and treatments that can help you lead a better life. I wish you well.” – Inspire member

Take your medications

Medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are the primary treatment for bipolar disorder. Even though these medications are highly effective at keeping bipolar disorder symptoms in check, approximately half of people with bipolar disorder stop taking their medication at some point during treatment. 

Stopping a medication without a doctor’s guidance (what’s known as medication noncompliance or nonadherence) causes symptoms to return. Often, the mania or depression are more extreme. Studies show that people with bipolar disorder who stop taking their medications are at a heightened risk for hospitalization and suicide. Stopping and starting medication therapy also makes it more difficult to put and keep the disorder in remission. Remission means you have few, if any, symptoms. Medication noncompliance also makes your long-term recovery harder.

An estimated 4 in 10 people with bipolar disorder don’t believe they have a mental disorder, so they don’t see a need to take medications. This lack of awareness (called anosognosia) is the top reason why some people refuse medications and other treatments. And some people who take the prescribed medications for bipolar disorder end up stopping treatments because they don’t like the side effects or they don’t think the medicines are helping.

While it might be tempting to cut back or stop medications when your moods are stable, you shouldn’t stop any medication without first talking to your doctor (this person is usually a psychiatrist or primary care physician). You may be more likely to stick to the doctor-recommended treatment plan after you understand how the medications help your condition. If you don’t feel comfortable going to your prescribing doctor and asking questions or raising concerns about your medications, it’s time to look for a provider you can trust. 

From the community:“I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I have always been a strong person and a fighter ... However I can definitely use as much support as possible with this. I don't want to suffer in silence anymore.” – Inspire member

Talk to a therapist and others

Combining medications with psychotherapy (talk therapy) is one of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder. A mental health professional like a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker can teach you strategies to better regulate your emotions, cope with problems, and change negative behaviors and thought processes. 

Bipolar disorder can also be hard on relationships. A therapist can work with you to improve your communications and strengthen bonds with loved ones. As with your doctor, it’s important to find a therapist you trust and feel comfortable confiding in. Finding the right fit can take a while, so you shouldn’t get discouraged. 

It can also be helpful to connect with others who have bipolar disorder and have firsthand knowledge of your struggles. You can join a local support group or participate in Mental Health America’s online support group and discussion community on Inspire.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Your dietary and lifestyle choices can have a dramatic impact on your moods. To prevent mania and depression, you should:

• Eat a nutritious diet: A healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains can boost your emotional and physical health. Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, as well as soybeans, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can minimize mood swings.

• Cut back on alcohol and seek help for substance use disorder: An estimated 6 in 10 people with bipolar disorder develop a substance use disorder. Some people turn to alcohol or illicit drugs as a form of self-medication. But drugs like cocaine and ecstasy can lead to mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can make you depressed. These substances can also affect your sleep and interact with the prescription medications meant to control bipolar disorder.

• Find healthy ways to manage stress: Stress can trigger mania or depression. Relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are great ways to cope with stress. You can also devote time to a hobby like gardening, walking with or call a friend, and burn off stress with exercise. It’s also important to recognize your limits and learn to say no when you feel overwhelmed. 

• Stick to a consistent and strict sleep schedule: Lack of sleep can bring on a manic episode. Too much sleep can worsen your mood or indicate a depressive episode. Adopt a healthy bedtime ritual that banishes electronics from the bedroom. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid napping.

Sources

• Why bipolar patients don’t take their meds. American Association for the Advancement of Science. May 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.

• Living with bipolar disorder. HelpGuide. October 2021.

• Mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders. MentalHealth.gov. March 2022.

• 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.

• Jawad I, et al. Medication nonadherence in bipolar disorder. Therapeutic Advancements in Psychopharmacology. December 2018. 

• 10 tips for overcoming bipolar disorder. The Recovery Center. June 2022.

• Serious mental illness and anosognosia. Treatment Advocacy Center. June 2016.

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.