Bipolar disorder: Preventing manic episodes
How do I manage a manic episode?
The best way to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes. Although that is not always possible, you can identify and attempt to avoid the triggers that may lead to a mood swing. One of the most important aspects of managing your illness is to stick to a routine, particularly keeping a stable sleep pattern.
- Maintain a stable sleep pattern. Go to bed about the same time each night and wake up around the same time each morning. Too much or too little sleep or changes in your normal sleep patterns can alter the chemicals in your body, which can trigger mood changes or make your symptoms worse.
- Stick to a daily routine. Plan your day around a fairly predictable routine. For example, eat meals at regular times, make exercise or other physical activity a part of your daily schedule, and perhaps practice meditation or another relaxation technique each night before bed.
- Set realistic goals. Having unrealistic goals can set you up for disappointment and frustration, which can trigger a manic episode. Do the best you can to manage your illness, but expect and be prepared for occasional setbacks.
- Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs. It may be tempting to use alcohol or drugs to help you get through a manic episode. But this can make symptoms worse. Even one drink can interfere with sleep, mood, or medicines used to treat bipolar disorder.
- Get help from family and friends. You may need help from your family or friends during a manic episode, especially if you have trouble telling the difference between what is real and what is not real (psychosis). Having a plan in place before any mood changes occur will assist your support network in helping you to make good decisions.
- Reduce stress at home and at work. Try to keep regular hours at work or at school. Doing a good job is important, but avoiding a depressive or manic mood episode is more important. If stress at work, school, or home is a problem, counseling may help improve the situation and decrease stress.
- Learn to recognize your early warning signs. One of the most important ways to avoid a manic episode is to identify early signs and seek treatment.
- Monitor your mood every day. Once you know your early warning signs, check your mood daily to see whether you may be heading for a mood swing. Write down your symptoms in a journal, or record them on a chart or a calendar. When you see a pattern or warning signs of a mood swing, seek treatment.
- Continue treatment. It can be tempting to stop treatment during a manic episode because the symptoms feel good. However, it is important to continue treatment as prescribed to avoid taking risks or having unpleasant consequences associated with a manic episode. If you have concerns about treatment or the side effects of medicines, talk with your health professional; do not adjust the medicines on your own.
Test Your Knowledge
A regular sleep schedule is important to prevent mood changes.
By avoiding triggers such as using alcohol or drugs and by eating regular meals and keeping a regular daily routine, you can better manage or even prevent a manic episode.
There is no need to ask family and friends for help during a manic episode.
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| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: March 14, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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