Acceptance
Recovery is an ongoing, daily process. No one can manage an illness as well as the person who is living it. Every day, give yourself credit for having the courage to make the necessary changes in your life. Acknowledge that this process is hard.
The changes you may have to make, and the changes to your external life you may have to accept, are major ones. These changes are the necessary price for living well.
You will lose out on people and relationships. Don’t dwell on these loses. There will be people who will never understand you but there will also be those who will smile and support you . Understand, communicate and talk about your illness because the risks involved with trying to conceal Bipolar Disorder and denying medication, counseling and other methods of treatment are much higher.
Celebrating successes you claim, learning from any setbacks, and refusing guilt or frustration about mistakes are all part of the recovery process.
Bipolar Disorder presents a special challenge, because its manic or hypomania stages can be seductive. People with the illness may be afraid that they will feel flat, less capable, or less creative if they seek treatment; however, these fears must be judged against the benefits of getting and staying well. A person living with Bipolar Disorder may feel good while manic, but may make choices that could seriously damage his or her relationships, finances, health, home life, or job prospects.
In this illness, a mixed or depressive state is also possible and can cause a great deal of subjective distress.
Many people who are advanced in their recovery for Bipolar Disorder are leaders of industry, entertainers, artists, craftsmen, and politicians, successful men and women in any line of work.
Treatment is not the end of the possibility for achievement; it is the beginning. It is very common for people living with Bipolar Disorder to want to discontinue their medication, a thought that may be appealing because side effects may be uncomfortable or because it has been a long time since the last episode of illness. People living with Bipolar Disorder should remember, however, that the recovery they attain usually depends in large part on the medications they are taking and their other health and wellness strategies. A discussion of all options with a health care provider is essential before any treatment changes should be made.
Managing and Coping with Bipolar Disorder
As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior. If individuals recognize these signs and seek effective and timely care, they can often prevent relapses.
Individuals who live with Bipolar Disorder also benefit tremendously from taking responsibility for their own recovery. Once the illness is adequately managed, they must monitor side effects, changes in mood, and changes in lifestyle. The health care provider and patient should be able to discuss, with respect for each other, changes in medication, dose, or any other aspect of fine-tuning treatment.
Coping Strategies
Developing a balanced lifestyle will help make living with Bipolar Disorder easier. Incorporating strategies that promote wellness will help people take control of their illness. Many people living with Bipolar Disorder have said the following strategies are helpful:
- Be an expert on the disorder
- Become aware of your earliest symptoms
- Become a partner in treatment
- Develop a plan for emergencies with people you trust
- Join a support group
- Avoid alcohol and illicit mood- or mind-altering substances
- Beware of interactions
- Eat for health
- Stay on a regular sleep schedule
- Identify and reduce sources of stress: Know when to seek help
- Develop a personal support system
- Regular exercise
- Follow a regular schedule
- Consider volunteer work or hobbies
- Set and respect your limits
And most importantly,
- Continue with life!
Source: NAMI’s brochure ‘Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery’ which be accessed here.
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