Although your treatment is made up of many parts, never forget that you are an integral part of your own treatment for bipolar disorder.  Medication can only go so far in managing your disorder, but there are other things that you need to do for yourself.

Medication for bipolar disorder tends to the chemical imbalance in your brain, but it does nothing to regulate the well-being of your body.  That part is up to you.  You need to eat a healthy, nutritious diet, low in fat and carbohydrates and high in protein.  Avoid fatty and fried foods, and if you eat snacks, make sure that they are healthy snacks and not high in sugar and fat content.

Exercise is not an option for people with bipolar disorder – it is a necessity.  It is not just good for you physically (because bipolar medications tend to make you gain weight), but it is also good for you emotionally.  Exercise naturally releases the body's endorphins, which gives you a "natural high," making you feel better just by exercising.  Even if all you do is walk three to four times a week, it is better than not exercising at all.

Never underestimate the power of sleep for someone with bipolar disorder.  Lack of sleep, or a disruption in the natural sleep pattern, is one of the biggest causes for a bipolar manic episode.  You need to keep a good, regular sleep pattern.  Go to sleep at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time every morning.  Make sure that you sleep at least eight hours per night and that your sleep is uninterrupted.

You need to make sure that your time is productive.  Don't be lazy or idle.  If you are, it can lead to depression, which can lead to a bipolar depressive episode.  If you can't work at a regular job outside the home, maybe you can volunteer your time somewhere worthwhile, or someplace that uses your gifts and talents.  If you can't volunteer, at least do things around the house that keep you busy.  Take up a hobby.  Do something you've never done before.  Learn something new.  Start a new project. 

Make sure that you keep yourself balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Keep your priorities in order.  Spend time with friends and family.  Keep a positive attitude – that goes far in keeping you emotionally healthy and well-balanced.  Your attitude has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself and your disorder – make sure it is a good one.

Your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist, as well as your supporter, are all doing their part to help you recover from your bipolar disorder.  Make sure that you do your part as well, remembering that you are an integral part of your own treatment.