Bipolar Treatment

• ARTICLE

Individuals living with bipolar share their accounts of when a few wise words made a world of difference in dealing with mania and depression, handling distorted thinking and delusions, releasing self-blame, and more. What’s the best advice you were ever given? Sometimes hearing the right words at the right time can help you find a better...

• ARTICLE

I choose to focus on the good and think positively—even when it comes to all that we have collectively endured this past year. Let’s consider a different perspective on our uncertain and disruptive times: How has 2020 has benefited those of us who live with bipolar? Whoo, this year is one for the record books,...

• ARTICLE

Prior to my diagnosis of bipolar, my life was marked by constant change that elated and destroyed me over and over again. With treatment and hard work, I’ve learned how to manage my moods and find stability. It’s about time, I think, to recognize how far I’ve come. I love a good whodunit. The second...

• ARTICLE

Living with bipolar makes the rough waters everyone inevitably confronts more challenging. But you can still safely and smoothly go with the flow. The first time I went whitewater rafting, I had so many misperceptions. I was truly naive—not unlike when I was first diagnosed with bipolar. Indeed, I seriously had a number of concerns...

• ARTICLE

After years of finding new ways to tackle my mood episodes before they take over my day, I’ve noticed that those I turn to most are the strategies that allow me to be creative. Art, music, dance, and more … the creative arts help with distraction, self-soothing, and even relief from the anxiety and depression...

• ARTICLE

Rifts in relationships with loved ones, friends, and coworkers can arise with bipolar, especially in the aftermath of an acute mood episode or prior to diagnosis and treatment. Take heart—there are practical steps you can take today to repair those close ties. In time, you may even strengthen your bonds and find new, supportive communities....

• ARTICLE

Throughout my life, I have told myself, “I can’t do this.” At the worst points, I believed myself. So, I’ve been working on replacing that negative mindset with the belief that “I can!” And it’s been a journey. I recently reflected on something it seems like I struggle with all the time: self-talk. The way...

• ARTICLE

If you, too, are wondering how to find true acceptance of bipolar, I feel you. None of this is easy. In my opinion, “accepting bipolar” means accepting a new (but empowering!) full-time job: Chief Mood Officer. Where’s My Golden Parachute? I’m a big word nerd, and I’m constantly absorbing and (over-?) analyzing the language I...

• ARTICLE

I’m an expert in bipolar management, yet I still have frequent mood swings and deal with symptoms regularly. Shouldn’t I have “solved” this by now? Shouldn’t I have “recovered”? Bipolar Disorder, Expertise, & Mood Management I’ve been writing books about bipolar disorder management since 1998, and my webpage started in 2002. How is it possible...

• ARTICLE

Bipolar depression can make me feel like I am a failure. After sitting with this feeling so regularly, I began to recognize small steps that help the heaviness and negativity fall away and clear the lenses of my usual rose-colored glasses. Bipolar Disorder & Feeling Like a Failure I can sometimes feel like a complete...

• ARTICLE

Over the years, I’ve found that seeing myself in a more healthy light and focusing on wellness-oriented behaviors have stood the test of time. Time is a unique phenomenon. We all have an equal amount of it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. It’s easily wasted if not properly managed. It can fly, stand still, and...

• ARTICLE

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I thought it meant I was doomed to live with moodiness and irritability for life. Fortunately, I found that balancing my mood is not only possible but essential for achieving peace of mind. What Motivates Our Moodiness? Over time, I’ve learned that my moodiness has more to...

• ARTICLE

Family, friends, peers, and professionals all play pivotal roles in helping you. Ultimately, who’s the best qualified to be responsible for your welfare? You! Those of us living with a mood disorder confront a condition we did not choose. Though we may sometimes feel like it’s not in our control, we don’t have to surrender!...

• ARTICLE

With empathy, honesty, and humor, Orchestrating Change follows the fascinating story of Me2/Orchestra, the world’s only classical music organization created for people living with mental health conditions and their supporters. Orchestrating Change, a moving new documentary that debuted on public television’s WORLD Channel (formerly PBS World) this fall, shines a spotlight on Me2/Orchestra—the world’s only...

• ARTICLE

Over the years, I’ve used different mantras—phrases I repeat internally—to focus on important lessons and goals. At first, it felt corny. But, every day, my mantras offer me greater peace of mind. The Mantra–Friend Connection Mantras are personal phrases that we repeat to ourselves to focus our attention on a specific concept or feeling and...

• ARTICLE

Having insight into your health conditions, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining a responsible relationship with substances is always smart—even more so if you have bipolar. I received two rejections yesterday, one of which forced me to click on four links and enter a password before I could access my “regret-to-inform-you” letter. I consider it a sign...

• ARTICLE

Antianxiety medications. Antipsychotics. Antidepressants. Mood stabilizers. Why so many meds? The advantages (and risks) of combining medications in managing a complex mood disorder. Over several years of medical management of a chronic illness such as bipolar disorder, it is common to see people taking pills from several different classes of medications. For example, an antipsychotic...

• ARTICLE

After changes to my medication resulted in a depression requiring hospitalization, I am learning to accept uncertainty and grief with strength—and strengthening my body and mindset in the process. Grief, Bipolar Depression, & My Running Routine My running playlist is a pretty cheesy collection of tunes—anything to amp me up and get me down the...

• ARTICLE

Negative self-talk and self-doubt set in when I start to miss my workouts. With all that has changed and how my routine has been interrupted, it has been imperative to find exercise alternatives to keep my mania and depression at bay. Many months into our global health crisis, I’m surprised to find myself not constantly...

• ARTICLE

Feeling trapped and overwhelmed, and with depression looming, I felt an urgent need for a change of scenery. Answering my “traveling itch,” I took the risk of visiting my hometown. The trip was for my peace of mind—and it was worth it. Why Would I Take the Risk of Traveling? In July of this year,...