I have chronic recurrent bi-polar mood disorder. Any advice to prevent further attacks?

Question

I was diagnosed as a manic-depressive since 1990. I have had about 14 nervous breakdowns or manic episodes, the latest was just this June. I need help in maintaining my moods from becoming too high nor too low aside from taking medicines religiously.

Answer 1

You are already doing the most important thing by taking meds regularly, but I would suggest talking with your counselor on how to develop a relapse response plan. It involves pinpointing your own individual early warning signs so that you can recognize when a medication adjustment is needed as soon as possible. Catching a relapse early on can often prevent it from escalating into a full blown episode.

Another important factor in avoiding relapse is maintaining a regular sleep cycle. Disturbances in sleep are known triggers (as well as symptoms themselves) and avoiding things that disrupt it, like shift work, are really important.

Maintaining a daily schedule and routine also helps keep stress at a minimum and insures a regular sleep-wake cycle and it helps to keep you grounded in daily activities and thwarts the tendency to withdraw or become over-involved in certain activities.

Avoid use of other drugs and alcohol which can also effect your mood as they can precipitate the onset of symptoms.

Answer 2

This is a very good website. Best of luck.

Treatment Options
The first medical breakthrough in treating bipolar disorder came in the 1950s. Today, there are many medicines and other ways to manage bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder hold jobs, raise families, and live full lives.

Treatment for bipolar disorder can vary. What works for one person may not work for someone else. That's why it's very important to work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment, or a combination of treatments, that works for you.

There are 3 basic parts of treatment for bipolar disorder. They are medicine, therapy, and learning more about the condition so you can take care of yourself.

Learn about the different Medicines to treat bipolar symptoms.
Find out how Therapy can help.
Things you can do to help can be found in Self-Care.
Studies to help find better ways to treat bipolar disorder are discussed in Clinical Trials.
For advice on getting help from an expert, read the Talking with Your Healthcare Provider section.

Answer 3

Prevention

Nothing is known to prevent bipolar disorder. It is best to avoid drugs that may trigger the disease (such as cocaine or methamphetamine).

Relapses can be prevented or made less severe by following the treatment recommendations of your health care providers. This includes taking medication as directed and attending counseling sessions.

The majority of people with mood disorders are able to find treatments that work. Talk therapy, medication or a combination of both help the person feel better and change situations in their life that may be contributing to their illnesses (substance abuse, bad relationships, etc.).

Answer 4

hi, my mother is bi-polar and she also has her mood swings.
the best way to keep your mania/depression in balance is to take your meds, unfortunately there is no other way to keep
the balance. you dont say how often you have these episodes. I'm sure that u know everyone who is bipolar is different and they experience different triggers. my mother ha been bipolar for many years and we can tell when she is going into a depressive state or manic state. the only thing is we r unable to get her med regulated so they work. her denial doesn't help either. i am a pharmacy technican, practicing for 7 years. i have seen many things (illness,etc..) and having the proper medication is the key to managing the illness. i hope i have helped u. blessed be

Answer 5

Unfortunately, there is no other answer at this time.

Work with your prescriber, report side effects and explore the barriers you have to taking medication.

There are many out there and you can find one that works with manageable to no side effects.

Balance that with the damage that is done to your life, work, relationships, by repeated cycles.

Without treatment, research shows that cycles become more frequent, more intense, and much more difficult to treat.

So don't delay. An excellent resource to the options available is http://www.psycheducation.org

Answer 6

I've read several studies that have linked many cases of bipolar and other mood disorders to a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids. Over the years our increased diet of processed foods has lowered our intake of these very beneficial fats. It may be no coincidence that mood disorders have been on the rise. They are most abundant in fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna), walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. Or you can take fish oil capsules. The omega-3's have been consistently shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers and inflammatory conditions so there's no harm in trying them.

Answer 7

Try to find some balance in simple things.Get enough sleep , sleep at same times.Eat well, eat at the same times.Find time to entertain your mind, read a good book now and then , take in a movie.Have a routine, try to make your life constant.keep your place neat and clean, clutter is the devils work shop for the MI.Try to figure out your warning signs, so that you have time to see your Doc.before things get out of hand.Most of all do not blame your self for your illness.

Answer 8

Taking the medication is the only thing that's really going to work.

All that stuff about diet and so on has no basis in fact. My wife is a Dietitian for a mental hospital. If that stuff really worked they would be doing it at her place of employment.

I have chronic depression and medication is the only thing that really works for me.

Answer 9

try DBT (Dialectical behavioral therapy) it was first started for the use in borderline personality disorder but is now used a lot for bipolar and is so worth a try. Good luck I left the link below for her and I have rapid cycling bipolar so know what its like.

Answer 10

You are just going to learn to take your medications religiously in order to control your bi-polar. My husband has it and it is the only way he controls his. It is a must. If you want to control it, that is.....