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Valuable Tools for Making Life Easier When Dealing With Bipolar Disorder

Throughout the years, I have learned different techniques to help me to cope with episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder. In this article, I am providing a partial list of things that helped me in anticipation that they will help someone else living with this illness. In addition to the list helping other people, writing things down is an excellent way of dealing with episodes. Some of my favorite techniques include:

• Taking long hot showers or a warm bubble bath
• Listening to quiet relaxing music
• Enjoying a rub down with your favorite lotion
• Sipping on hot, caffeine free drink
• Watching a funny movie
• Walking with a friend
• Repeating positive affirmations
• Making journal entries
• Creating a list of friends so you can see how many people love and care about you
• Having a friend write down on paper what makes you such a neat person to have as a friend
• Putting up reminders around the house of positive things that are working in your life such as a poem, lyrics to a special song, etc.
• Making a list of 10 people and their phone numbers that you can call if you need help - NEVER BE AFRAID TO USE IT. Remember, everyone needs a little help sometimes.
• Getting involved in a support group and if one is not one available, think about starting one yourself
• Searching for a good therapist
• Knowing your Doctor well and being sure that you have a good working relationship with him\her
• Not isolating yourself but getting out and enjoying life
• Visiting with family and friends
• Going to visit someone in the hospital or maybe in a nursing home, which helps you realize that even with a disease, there are still other people struggling that you could cheer up
• Being 100% honest with yourself, regardless of the outcome. The result is greater self-esteem and integrity.
• Reminding yourself that when you think you have reached your darkest hour, that hour is only 60 minutes long and that the next hour could be better just like the one after that one and after that
• Never settling - life is too valuable. We can have a quality life even though our circumstances are difficult at times
• Creating a support system so they can help you maintain accountability - this is crucial
• Staying connected, which is also important. As humans, we were created to need relationships and without them, we simply wither and die
• Setting obtainable goals for yourself. Start by creating a master plan of what you want to accomplish in your life and then be willing to put in the effort to obtaining those goals.
• Learning as much as you can about Bipolar Disorder. Remember, even if you have Bipolar, you are much more than that.
  

This list is just the beginning of what you could create for your own list. Everyone finds their own special things that will help. Keep in mind that your list will continually grow and change. For me, journaling has made such a dramatic difference. With all the thoughts and feelings that go around in my head, this provides me with an excellent outlet to express how I feel. In the long run, all of this makes me feel better about myself and about life in general.

NEVER GIVE UP - If what you are doing is not working, then I encourage you to have the courage to change so that your life can be the best quality that it can be.

About The Author

Gaylene Jarnes is a contributing author for www.BipolarCentral.com.

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