Well, I’m still feeling great! I take advantage of times like this when I have increased energy and a strong feeling of well-being, because I know that, realistically, it won’t always be this way, and things can turn around in an instant when you have bipolar disorder.
But it brought to mind that there are things we can do to at least try to stay on an even keel with bipolar disorder.
The most important thing is to keep your life as stress-free as possible. If you have any toxic people in your life – people who are not supportive of you, negative people, people who bring out the worst in you, or even just rub you the wrong way – you need to get rid of them.
This may be more difficult if these people are family members, but usually, for the most part, you don’t have to be around them much, and you can cut out (or down) the phone calls in which you have to deal with them.
Remember that your stability with bipolar has to come first. It might hurt some of the people you love when you tell them that you can’t have much contact with them because it makes your bipolar worse, but in the long run, you will benefit from it by increased stability.
Try to surround yourself with positive, optimistic, supportive people instead. This will help you to be able to deal with circumstances as they present themselves to you, especially negative or difficult ones. Know who your true friends are, those in your support system, and turn to them for help when you need it.
Try to avoid toxic circumstances as well. If you know that you will experience anxiety and stress if you go into the mall, or if you have a penchant for impulsive buying, then you need to avoid the mall, or take someone with you who knows your circumstances.
If you know you can’t work full-time, then don’t apply for those jobs – it is just setting yourself up for failure. You can only do what you can do, and with bipolar disorder, many people cannot handle the stress of working a full-time job.
Try doing things you enjoy. Have a hobby, or volunteer for a worthy cause. This will help your bipolar disorder as well as your self-esteem, when you feel valued for helping other people (and yourself).
Have things to look forward to. Make general plans, if precise plans are not suitable for you (like you get too stressed the day of the planned event because of your bipolar disorder). Just getting together with a good friend over coffee can do wonders for you! Or take a long drive out into the country just to enjoy the scenery, knowing that just going outside is good for your emotional health.
Keep doing the things that keep you stable – like taking your medications, seeing your psychiatrist and therapist, keeping a good sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, and exercising (even if it’s only walking).
Make a To-Do List each day – you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you check items off the list. Don’t make it too overwhelming, though – only what you can feasibly accomplish that day.
Stay spiritually fit as well, by attending church or synagogue (or whatever), or just reading inspirational literature, like my Spiritual Journey devotionals (hint hint!).
Do things that make you feel good about yourself. If you do one thing each day that you don’t feel like doing (but is necessary to do, like the dishes or laundry), you will feel successful. And then you can reward yourself for doing it! (Chocolate always works for me! 
)
By keeping your stress level low, watching who you hang around with, staying out of tense or even toxic situations, and practicing the other things I’ve outlined in this post, you should be able to stay on an even keel.
Do you have other things that work for you to keep you on an even keel? I’d like to hear any suggestions.
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
Well, I’m still feeling great! I take advantage of times like this when I have increased energy and a strong feeling of well-being, because I know that, realistically, it won’t always be this way, and things can turn around in an instant when you have bipolar disorder.
But it brought to mind that there are things we can do to at least try to stay on an even keel with bipolar disorder.
The most important thing is to keep your life as stress-free as possible. If you have any toxic people in your life – people who are not supportive of you, negative people, people who bring out the worst in you, or even just rub you the wrong way – you need to get rid of them.
This may be more difficult if these people are family members, but usually, for the most part, you don’t have to be around them much, and you can cut out (or down) the phone calls in which you have to deal with them.
Remember that your stability with bipolar has to come first. It might hurt some of the people you love when you tell them that you can’t have much contact with them because it makes your bipolar worse, but in the long run, you will benefit from it by increased stability.
Try to surround yourself with positive, optimistic, supportive people instead. This will help you to be able to deal with circumstances as they present themselves to you, especially negative or difficult ones. Know who your true friends are, those in your support system, and turn to them for help when you need it.
Try to avoid toxic circumstances as well. If you know that you will experience anxiety and stress if you go into the mall, or if you have a penchant for impulsive buying, then you need to avoid the mall, or take someone with you who knows your circumstances.
If you know you can’t work full-time, then don’t apply for those jobs – it is just setting yourself up for failure. You can only do what you can do, and with bipolar disorder, many people cannot handle the stress of working a full-time job.
Try doing things you enjoy. Have a hobby, or volunteer for a worthy cause. This will help your bipolar disorder as well as your self-esteem, when you feel valued for helping other people (and yourself).
Have things to look forward to. Make general plans, if precise plans are not suitable for you (like you get too stressed the day of the planned event because of your bipolar disorder). Just getting together with a good friend over coffee can do wonders for you! Or take a long drive out into the country just to enjoy the scenery, knowing that just going outside is good for your emotional health.
Keep doing the things that keep you stable – like taking your medications, seeing your psychiatrist and therapist, keeping a good sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, and exercising (even if it’s only walking).
Make a To-Do List each day – you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you check items off the list. Don’t make it too overwhelming, though – only what you can feasibly accomplish that day.
Stay spiritually fit as well, by attending church or synagogue (or whatever), or just reading inspirational literature, like my Spiritual Journey devotionals (hint hint!).
Do things that make you feel good about yourself. If you do one thing each day that you don’t feel like doing (but is necessary to do, like the dishes or laundry), you will feel successful. And then you can reward yourself for doing it! (Chocolate always works for me!
)
By keeping your stress level low, watching who you hang around with, staying out of tense or even toxic situations, and practicing the other things I’ve outlined in this post, you should be able to stay on an even keel.
Do you have other things that work for you to keep you on an even keel? I’d like to hear any suggestions.
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele