MANAGING AND LIVING WITH
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is a disorder of the brain that is characterized by extreme shifts in mood from mania to extreme depression, sleep pattern disruption, and abrupt changes in activity and energy levels, which can affect your ability to carry out routine daily tasks. (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2016).
READER OUTCOMES:
• Know the signs & symptoms • Know where to seek help if in crisis • Know ways to help manage your symptoms
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS MANIC EPISODE SYMPTOMS
DEPRESSIVE EPISODE SYMPTOMS
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Extreme elevation in mood Feelings of euphoria Surges of energy Unable to sit still Difficulty sleeping Increased activity levels Speaking faster than usual and rapidly changing topics of conversation Agitation Racing thoughts Multi-tasking to the extreme Making impulsive and not well thought out decisions Heightened sexual desire (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2016)
• • • • • •
Extreme feelings of sadness Hopelessness Emptiness Feelings of worry Low energy levels Decreased activity levels Sleep too long or not enough Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy Difficulty concentrating Forgetful Over eating or not eating enough Feelings of sluggishness Fatigued or tired all the time Thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2016)
MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES IN YOUR LIFESTYLE • Develop a healthy exercise routine • Eat healthy and nutritious meals • Be disciplined with a healthy sleep schedule • Plan time in your schedule to relax and rejuvenate • Take medications as prescribed • Regularly participate in social activities with family and friends (Townsend, 2013)
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT • Regularly share in social activities with friends, family, or peers. This will help raise self-confidence, catch symptoms early, and lower your risk of depression (Townsend, 2013) • Take part in at least one social activity daily to grow relationships which provide you with support and build self-confidence (Townsend, 2013) • Participate in regular group therapy sessions with peers. This can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to discuss concerns and provide support to have more control over the management of your symptoms (Aubrey et al., 2012) • Regular participation in psychoeducation sessions for bipolar disorder can give you and your family the tools and education you need to improve awareness of your disorder. These tools can also raise treatment success and help you and your family recognize symptoms before they become more serious (Miziou et al., 2015)
HELP LINES FOR CRISIS! PLEASE REACH OUT! WE WANT TO HELP! DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE! • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357) • National Alliance on Mental Illness - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) • Your primary care provider is also an excellent resource for finding specialized assistance (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2016)
REFERENCES Aubrey, J., Charmillot, A., Aillon, N., Bourgeois, P. Mertel, Nerfin, F., ‌ de Andres, R. (2012). Long-term impact of the life goals therapy program for bipolar patients. Journals of Affective Disorders, 136, 889-894. Bipolar Disorder. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml Miziou, S., Tsitsipa, E., Moysidou, S., Karavelas, V., Dimelis, D., Polyzoidou, V., & Fountoulakis, K. N. (2015). Psychosocial treatment and interventions for bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Annals of General Psychiatry, 14, 19. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-015-0057-z Townsend, M. C. (2013). Nursing diagnoses in psychiatric nursing: Care plans and psychotropic medications (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Co.