Living with bipolar is no easy thing. The extreme highs,also known as mania. The devastating lows, known as deep dark depression. The constant shifts in personality. The shame of stigma attached to being "crazy". The never-ending cycle of medication regimines. The horrific side effects that follow.

There is no cure, but there is help and there is a way to manage your bipolar illness. It isn't perfect, but it is better than just hanging on to the rollercoaster and hoping you don't crash and burn one day.

Below you will find some of the things I do to manage my bipolar. I am not completely stable. I have cycles, but they are not as severe. Without medications that would not be the case. I practice everyday living well and staying well.

How To Deal With Bipolar

Learn to identify your triggers. This can be extremely important for you. If you can indentify something that bothers you, chances are you can avoid a shift in mood.

Take your medications as prescribed by your pyschiatrist. let them know of any side effects if any you may be experiencing, so adjustments can be made.

Routine is an integral part in staying on track.Taking medications at the same time each day. Going to bed and getting up at the same time everyday helps establish a routine. Getting the proper amount of sleep helps prevent manic episodes.

Exercising, moving of any kind at least 15 minutes a day. Makes you feel better about yourself, and keeps you active.

Take a shower everyday.Wash away any negative thoughts that you may have lingering around. This will make you feel like you are refreshed to start the day.

Keep a journal to record your thoughts, changes in medications, changes in moods, cycles, triggers, doctor appointments, art, poetry, and anything else you might want to record. I keep all of the above things in my journal. It also is handy when I see a mood shift, i can try to catch it before it escalates. It is alos good for when you need to discuss things with your therapist or pyschiatrist and not always remeber details.

Always keep your therapy/pyshciatry appointments. It is important they know what state of mind you are in, if your not doing well, they can help you decide if you need a medication adjust ment or a possible hospitilization.

Keep a hobby.Keeping a hobby helps you enjoy something you enjoy doing. It can be anything. I like photograhy, writing, watching movies, television, writing reviews, playing basketball, swimming. They may not all quailfy as hobbies but they are things I enjoy.

Keep in touch with family and friends. It is important to have a support system in place. Be honest with them so they know what to do to help if you need it.

I try to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine. It feels good and the light makes me feel better.We also get the valuable vitamin D we need.

Trying these things everyday until it is routine , becomes easier to mangae your bipolar. With bipolar you never know what to expect, so taking your illness into your own hands and keeping yourself as healthy as you can is something you can do for yourself. You may not always be able to deal with your cycles, you may need hospitilization, or have medicatin changes, it isn't easy, but it can be mangaable with work, therapy and support from loved ones.