Do you experience uncontrollable mood episodes constantly? Though this happens to most of us once in a while, some people have intense moods that are abnormal. Many people live with bipolar disorder for a long time without realizing it until later in life. Though it has no cure, you can live a healthy life with bipolar if you know how to control your depressive emotions.

Researchers say that about 3 million population in American is bipolar. Some people call it the disease for women, but this is a stereotype because it affects both genders. A person with this condition is likely to show signs of irritability, anger, impulsive behavior as well as excess physical and mental energy. We will discuss how you can lead a normal life with bipolar disorder to help you stay inspired.

Start treatment

For you to control the symptoms of bipolar, you should start treatment immediately. Both medication and going through therapy will give you crucial life skills and coping mechanisms. Working with your doctor can help you clear doubts and question regarding bipolar disorder.

Talk to them about the side effects that pills may be having on your body so that they can know how to help. Taking medication in the right doses will also keep you safe from further complications. Avoid skipping or adjusting medicines without consulting your treatment provider. Take note of anti-depressants that stimulate bipolar episodes. Appetite suppressants are also unhealthy in this condition.

Beware of the symptoms of bipolar disorder

Keeping tabs on any changes in your moods will help you know how to control them. Recognize when you have high energy levels than usual so that you can prevent it from getting into depression. Start by identifying your triggers as early as possible. External factors such as financial constraints and stress are often triggers of manic episodes.

You can write down some of the things that cause mood episodes so that you avoid them to keep your nerves in control. Coming up with a mood chart can help you monitor your emotions regularly. Indicate the changing patterns in the mood chart so that you identify the cause of manic incidences.

Come up with a crisis plan

Sometimes bipolar disorder can relapse without your control. Always have a crisis plan to act as back up during such occurrences. For instance, keeping emergency contacts help you be responsible for your episodes. Ensure that you maintain a list of people that you can easily access such as a family friend, or a doctor. Master useful drugs that you can access quickly during episodes. Assign a caregiver to take care of you during tough moments.

Avoid isolating yourself

Withdrawing from people can lead to loneliness and depression. Avoid feeling lonely by reaching out to loved ones who can make you have a normal life. Simple chats with friends can help you maintain happy thoughts to prevent fluctuating moods. Get a roommate if you stay alone.

Join a group

With the high numbers of people living with the similar condition, you should never face it alone. Find a support group through your doctor and join others who go through similar mania. Sharing your stories will give you a sense of belonging and encourage you.

You can also be more engaged in community activities by joining volunteer or civic groups. Connecting with others through such groups helps you feel useful and part of people who care. It also enables you to network with different kinds of people and builds new relationships with them.

Develop a structure

For you to maintain stable moods, you need constructive activities that are part of your daily life. For instance, you can form a pattern of involving tasks every day. This could include socializing, working, eating and well as relaxing. They will distract your mind and prevent emotional breakdowns.

Work out

Control your moods by engaging in exercises that make you comfortable. For instance, if you are straining with intense workouts in the gym, you can always replace it with swimming or dancing classes.  The point is not to let a particular exercise make you stressed. Walking or jogging at least once every morning will help you start your day active and happy.

Sleep

Few sleeping hours, as well as excess sleep, can both stimulate mania. Maintain a consistent pattern of sleep to balance your moods. For instance, avoiding napping during the day can prevent less sleep at night. Avoid activities such as watching movies up to midnight before going to bed.

Have time for leisure activities

Playing improves your mental health as you get to relax through a sport. Listen to soothing music or enjoy sunbathing to get the right nutrients from the sun as you have fun. An entertaining novel can also keep you away from negative thoughts.

Practice mindfulness

Pay attention to your senses to prevent stress. For instance, by engaging senses such as smell or sound, you can calm down in a situation that affects your emotions. Meditation can help you engage your senses more by teaching you breathing techniques that enhance your moods. Visualization is also an effective way of controlling emotions.

Stay away from substance abuse

Some people who have bipolar exhibit impulsive tendencies such as abusing drugs or consuming alcohol. These substances can trigger both mania and make you depressed. They interfere with your emotional balance as well as sleep patterns. Seek help from Utah drug and alcohol rehabs to stop self- medicating and prevent addiction. Mixing alcohol with bipolar medications can cause severe problems.

Consume Omega 3

Both supplements and foods that contain omega 3 are useful in controlling mood swings. Fish such as salmon and sardines are suitable for bipolar patients. You can also get omega 3 from pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds.

Final thoughts

Though bipolar disorder has no known cure, many people who have used such coping mechanisms live a happy life with the condition. According to research, some of the most successful people are bipolar. This should encourage you that it is possible to achieve your dreams even with an incurable condition.