Secrets to living the good life with Bipolar disorder

Being bipolar does not only affect you but it affects your family more than you know. If you really love your family you will understand their stresses as they witness as you are experiencing episodes of mania and depression. Staying well can maintain a healthy balance of life..

1. Wellness is an important part to "recovery" and no matter what DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION!!

2. Try you best to understand your partner and other family members. 9 times out of 10 they may be right because the symptoms of bipolar make you unreasonable. Your family must do the same and keep well. Help them seek help when needed and make sure they take care of themselves and not only care for you.

3. Have a positive attitude and structure in the way of routine, organization and forward planning. The more things are "unknown" to you, the more anxiety builds which leads to mania.

4.  Laugh at everything!!! Even if its not funny fake it till you make it. It has proven that when you smile it is contagious it definitely  elevates the mood and help keep things in perspective.

5. Make sure you are monitored regularly by your health professional. Keep all your appointments and do not cancel unless absolutely necessary. Even if you may feel like you don't need it you probably do.

6. Educate yourself and understand your condition.  You will feel a sense of empowerment when you know a reason why and how you act and feel the way you do.

7. Keep track of your mood and identify triggers that initiate episodes of mania or depression. You can find mood journals online and even mobile applications that can assist you in this process, they also send reminders when you forget to keep track.

8. Keep a list of self care actions  you can complete when you feel like stressful life events occur. Your triggers that are likely to spark the episodes of mania or depression happen all the time, be proactive and take care of yourself when things like this happen.

9. Accept you condition there are physiological changes happening in your body. Just like diabetes, or any other health condition you will experience symptoms. You may not feel physically ill but mentally you will experience symptoms some more sever than others. Tell yourself "this too will pass" and at times you may need time for yourself to cope with irritability, anger or other negative feelings.

10.  Exercise and eat healthy!!! It does make a difference although you may not believe it! When you look better you feel better and it radiates all around you. Exercises help stabilize mood by sending happy neurotransmitters to your brain. You gain energy and when you eat well you feel good and prevent increasing doses of your medication my treating yourself the natural way.