Living with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can make it seem like your life is spiraling out of control. But the truth is with the right care plan and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and cope with the impact the condition has on your life.

At Jehovahs Behavioral Care, our experienced medical team offers customized treatment plans for bipolar disorder. Grace Fomunung, PMHNP, uses a combination of behavioral therapies and medications to stabilize your moods and enhance the quality of your life.

What life is like with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder causes periods of mania where you experience high energy levels, increased productivity, and euphoric moods. These manic periods are followed by bouts of extremely low moods (depression) that cause sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt.

Manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can last seven days or longer. Symptoms range in severity and can affect people in different ways. For some, bipolar mood shifts can be severe enough to require hospitalization.

The extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder can impact all aspects of your life. Some with this condition have difficulties maintaining employment, being social, and navigating relationship conflicts.

Because it can seem like bipolar disorder casts a wide shadow across your life, it can be a struggle to manage the condition without medical supervision. The support of your loved ones can also make a difference in your treatment’s success.

How to play an active role in your bipolar disorder treatment

While bipolar disorder can make it hard to feel like you’re in control of your life circumstances, you can learn to manage it effectively. Being active in your own treatment is an essential first step to staying on top of your symptoms.

Here are four tips for participating in your treatment plan for bipolar disorder:

1. Be open with your mental health specialist

Forming an open, honest relationship with our care team can make a difference in the success of your treatment.

Let us know whenever you feel your medications or therapy plan isn’t working. We can also address any side effects you experience when starting bipolar disorder medications.

2. Follow instructions for medications

You may feel tempted to stop using your bipolar disorder medications when you start feeling better. However, changing the dose or stopping medications without the supervision of a medical professional can have serious health consequences.

Establish a routine for taking your medications at the same time every day so you’re less likely to miss doses. Set a reminder on your phone if you have trouble remembering your medication times.

3. Keep up with therapy

Medications are just one part of a bipolar therapy plan. To cope with your condition, you must keep showing up for your therapy appointments.

Through our behavioral therapy sessions, we focus on teaching you important life skills you can use to better deal with your symptoms and cope with the conflicts they cause in your life.

4. Pay attention to your symptoms

Many people with bipolar disorder experience warning signs in advance of a depressive or manic episode.

Therapy can help you identify these signs early to take appropriate action. During your sessions, you can also learn what triggers your episodes. Common triggers can include excessive stress, work problems, sleep deprivation, and financial issues.

For more tips to help you cope with bipolar disorder, call Jehovahs Behavioral Care in Lilburn, Georgia, today or book an appointment online.