Dealing with a chronic condition as life-altering as bipolar disorder can be stressful and even frightening. While it is confusing and upsetting for those who live with an affected individual, living inside the alternating bouts of depression and mania can be even more problematic. If you have been diagnosed with a bipolar condition, ranging from mild to severe, then you have firsthand experiences of the uncertainty that comes from not knowing how you are going to feel or behave from one month to the next or even one day to the next.

There are some good practices, however, that may make your life a little easier over time. As you make your way into your future, consider the following tips to help you in your progress.

1.  Always take your medication, even if you ‘feel’ better.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is important to be consistent with the medication you are prescribed. This is vital for two reasons. The first concerns the effects that you may have if you suddenly stop taking the medication without weaning off it. Some medications can cause serious health issues when stopped abruptly.

The second reason is one of practicality. There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder. Chances are good that if you stop taking your medication, your original symptoms can return. You may begin to experience the depression and manic episodes that you originally sought treatment for and be forced to begin the regime and adjustment period from the beginning.

It is also suggested that you keep a record of your medication and dosages as well as create a chart that tracks mood, sleep and significant life events.

2.  Be aware of co-occurring disorders.

There is a worrisome pattern among many individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder in the form of alcohol and drug addiction. Addictions aren’t the only mental issues that can develop alongside or as a result of bipolar disorder, however. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are often present, as are attention deficit disorders. Sometimes, physical illnesses that can cause pain, such as migraine headaches, accompany bipolar disorder. Anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain can all increase the risks of addiction as well.

It is important to be aware of your risk factors for certain conditions and to recognize the symptoms as early as possible in order to establish effective treatment. For instance, the symptoms of drug addiction include:

• Withdrawal symptoms when you are unable to obtain and use a specific drug
• Tolerance which results in the need to use more of a drug to achieve the euphoric results you’re seeking
• Compulsion to use a drug that supersedes your responsibilities to work, home and family
• Criminal behaviors and legal problems (such as driving under the influence or theft to obtain money for drugs) do not serve as a deterrent to drug use
• Spending a great deal of time looking for drugs, using drugs and recovering from drug use

When symptoms like this are present, it is possible that you may be suffering from the co-occurring condition of drug addiction. Getting help from a professional, experienced and compassionate treatment center, such as the one here at Axis, can help you overcome the addiction while focusing a well-rounded plan on the effects the addiction may have had on your bipolar disorder.

Have an Emergency Plan

Like any other chronic condition, relapse into either a depressive or manic state is always a possibility. If you’ve been undergoing routine therapy visits or you are taking medication for your bipolar disorder, be aware that this doesn’t mean that your treatment plan has failed. It simply means that your dosage may need adjustment, or your therapy appointments may need to focus on new issues. Still, in order to address the issue, you’ll need to contact your medical provider. If you suffer a manic episode, this may not be the first item on your list of things to do, unless you’ve made it a point to have an emergency plan in place.

By discussing, or even role-playing, an emergency situation, it may seem more natural to contact your doctor prior to making sudden plans that may involve dangerous activities, such as alcohol abuse, excessive spending or unprotected sex.

Dealing With the Stigma of Mental Illness

Many individuals suffer from a certain level of embarrassment due to mental illness. As related in an article in the News Tribune, the stigma attached to mental disorders and illnesses can be life-threatening. It is important to understand that suffering from a condition such as bipolar disorder or addiction is not a fault issue. These are medical and psychiatric conditions for which there are treatments available. If someone you love is suffering, don’t let them suffer alone simply because they are worried what others may think. Contact us here at Axis today to find out how we can help.