Withdrawing from friends and family Changes in your eating habits Craving foods Having headaches Feeling tired and needing more sleep Feeling like you don’t care about anything
After you start taking your medication, you’ll need to work closely with your doctor because some antidepressants can trigger a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder. Side effects of antidepressants include insomnia, anxiety, nausea, restlessness, dizziness, decreased sex drive, weight gain, tremors, sweating, sleepiness, fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and head aches. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms if you want to stop taking them. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your self-care tasks. For instance, it’s okay to ask a loved one to bring you a healthy meal or help you do a load of laundry.
If you’re outside longer than 15 minutes, apply an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect yourself. To make things easier, use a sunscreen spray on your exposed areas. [8] X Research source
If you don’t feel like you can do it, try to just walk around your living room for a few minutes. When you get a little more energy, go outside for a nature walk, go to the gym, or follow along to an exercise video. Just do your best.
Set a goal to go out at least once a week. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your friends to come over to chat, play games, or watch movies.
Look for groups on Meetup or Facebook that share your interests, then sign up for their events. This will give you an incentive to go. Sign up and pay for workshops so that you feel obligated to keep up with your interests.
You might say, “I’m feeling really depressed, so I need help getting dinner,” or “I wish I didn’t feel this way, but I know it’s just the way my brain is made. I doubt I’ll be up for going out tomorrow, but I’d love it if you would watch a movie with me at home. ”
Needing less sleep Doing more activities than normal Feeling energetic and fidgety Trouble concentrating Talking very fast Being hungry a lot Feeling irritable
Side effects of mood stabilizers include weight gain, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, tremors, excessive thirst, increased urination, stomach pain, thyroid problems, memory and concentration problems, nausea, vertigo, and diarrhea.
Spend the hour before bed de-stimulating yourself. Avoid screens, take a warm bath, and read. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Don’t try to pack too many things into your routine, as this can trigger a manic episode.
Breathing exercises Meditation Progressive muscle relaxation
Switch out regular coffee for decaf. If you like tea, switch to caffeine-free herbal teas.
You might say, “I feel like things aren’t making sense right now. Can you help me?” or “I don’t think I’m making the best decisions. Will you help me call my doctor?”
If you have insurance, it may cover your treatment, so check your benefits. You can find a therapist online or through your insurance.
For example, you might have a pattern of swinging between depression and mania, you might have mixed episodes, or you might experience depression during the colder months and mania during the warmer months. Common triggers for bipolar episodes include stress, issues at work or school, changing seasons, reduced sleep, financial issues, and conflict with friends or family. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
For instance, color in an adult coloring book, talk to a friend, do something creative, walk in nature, play with your pet, use aromatherapy, or do puzzles.
For instance, color in an adult coloring book, talk to a friend, do something creative, walk in nature, play with your pet, use aromatherapy, or do puzzles.
If you want specific types of help, tell them exactly what you want. You might say, “If I start talking about harming myself, please call my doctor immediately and don’t leave me alone until I’m under my doctor’s care or feeling better. ” You might also say, “If you think my behavior is getting erratic, please call my doctor or my mom. They’ll help me get the care I need. ”
Sharing your story may help you find support. Plus, you can learn better coping strategies from people who’ve had similar experiences.
For instance, you might do better in school if your teacher gives you an extra day on assignments while you’re depressed, or you might be able to focus better during mania if you can walk the halls for a few minutes. At work, you might do better with flexible work hours or access to a window.
If you have questions or concerns about your medication, talk to your doctor about them.
A list of your doctors and their contact information A list of your medications and how much you’re taking Information about when you want others to take responsibility for you Your treatment preferences Who is allowed to make treatment decisions for you and their contact information
