Newly Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder? Next Steps To Better Health

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder but did not take it seriously until my father committed suicide at 52 years old. He put a gun in his mouth and it was a terrible scene. After he died I started reading about Bipolar Disorder, it said that 75% of children whose parents kill themselves will do the same. At that point, I decided I need some professional help.

Bipolar Disorder can present itself in many ways and it’s important to know so you can contact your doctor when in trouble. I’m on the depressive side and rarely go into a hypo state and have never been manic. I had a problem in the late 90s where I was switching, so one day depressed, and one day I would be fine, and then boom, I’m depressed. You need to have a Psychiatrist who can keep working on the right mix of medication to keep you stable. When looking for a Psychiatrist, the key thing to ask is do they treat Bipolar Disorder.

Now that you know a little about me, I want to share how I stay healthy:

The most important task every day is to take your medication. I get tired of taking so many pills but I know that’s what it takes to keep me going.

Get rid of your stigmas and shut out all the people in your life who don’t care to understand or have their own stigma. You need to cut all the negatives out of you’re life as possible. I’ve quit watching the Nightly News because politics get me worked up. It’s been a big relief.

There is nothing to be ashamed of, you have an illness just like others have an illness.

Take time out every day for self-care, it could be enjoying the fresh air and listening to the birds, taking a hot bath with essential oils to calm you down, or anything you can take time out to pamper yourself is good for your mental health.

Keep all appts. with your doctor. I would also recommend seeing a therapist too. I’ve been seeing my team for over 30 years.

Take the time to learn about your illness but don’t over-focus on it. You need to know what you’re dealing with but don’t second guess your doctor. Not everything you read on the Internet is correct. Go to reliable sites for information.

If you swing to the manic state, it may feel good but as my doctor says, what comes up must come down and you won’t like the coming down part. Being manic can cause you to think differently and you can get yourself in trouble very fast.

Stay on top of your refills, you don’t want to miss any days of your medication.

Share you’re story with someone you trust, you may have to explain your illness to them but you need someone on your side. You also need someone who can tell when you’re not yourself and alert you before you slide one way or another.

You have to understand when you are at your limit. If you are thinking about suicide, now is the time to raise your hand. Call your friend for support. Worst case scenario go to the local Emergency Room.

It can seem overwhelming at first, but with good information, a great Psychiatrist and Therapist, and a friend you can trust, you have a good safety net.

Melinda

References:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder#:~:text=Bipolar%20disorder%20(formerly%20called%20manic,day%2Dto%2Dday%20tasks.