Bipolar Recovery: Reconstructing A Balanced Lifestyle

When your bipolar disorder is stable, that's the time to set up a plan for a balanced lifestyle. Learn what that entails.

Health/Physical

Illness

• become well-informed about bipolar disorder
• have adequate medical, psychological follow-up
• do not stop bipolar medication without consultation
• recognize early signs of mania and depression and get help immediately, adjusting bipolar medication can prevent some relapses

Exercise

• exercise regularly. For the more enthusiastic, swimming, biking, hiking, otherwise, even walking is beneficial

Diet

• become informed about nutrition
• eat a well-balanced diet

Self-Care

• attend to grooming needs
• treat oneself to a new look, haircut, clothes

Family

• give emotional support to family by listening, by acknowledging positive actions, by encouraging
• seek emotional support from family
• participate in activities alone, with spouse, together with family, with extended family
• re: illness, decide mutually, steps to be taken if one becomes ill again and refuses treatment. Such planning can do much in preventing misunderstandings and in minimizing stress later on

Financial/Work

• consider a savings plan for money to be used during a relapse when there is often financial stress
• if over-spending during illness is a problem, consider:
  1. discarding credit cards
  2. having spouse, public trustee, temporarily in charge of finances
• set goals at workplace
• if unemployed:
  • take steps to get a job
  • take a course
  • do volunteer work
  • attend a day program
• set goals/priorities for home projects

Community/Social

• maintain or develop social ties. Social ties provide stimulation, emotional support and a source of meaning in one's life. They are so important that even the perception of having social ties is a crucial factor in increasing one's ability to cope with stress.
• attend a community recreational centre
• consider volunteer work in worthwhile causes
• consider joining a manic-depressive support group, a social group, a religious organization
• if there are difficulties relating to people, consider therapy

Intellectual/Personal Development

• develop an interest and pursue it, e.g. reading books, newspapers, writing, archery, canoeing, gourmet cooking
• looking for ideas in local newspapers, flyers, university continuing education courses

Spiritual

• take time to do nothing - meditate, ponder
• some people find walks in nature or reading inspirational writings, spiritual
• others like to address spiritual needs through communal worship, religion

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