Reduce Bi -Polar Episodes

Being diagnosed with Bi- polar disorder is a terrifying ordeal. By following some of these schedules you may be able to reduce the amount and intensity of the episodes.

1. Keep yourself on a daily schedule
a. Eat 3 meals a day or better yet eat small meals throughout the day.
b. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. You need to get a least 8 hours of sleep a night. Lack of sleep can trigger manic episodes.

2. Keep a mood chart and update it daily. This can help you and your doctor determine which medications are helping and which may be doing more harm than good. This also can help you learn to identify what may trigger an episode.

3. Manage your stress. Stress is a main trigger of causing manic episodes. Try exercise, deep breathing, and meditation. Perhaps some imagery or soft music. Whatever you feel comfortable with and may help alleviate the symptoms. A good recommendation is to take a long walk at the beginning and end of each day.

4. Exercise. Exercise releases dopamine a natural chemical. A good recommendation is to try aerobics. This exercise has helped people’s outlook on life increased their energy level and helped them to sleep better. Please consult a doctor before starting any type of exercise program.

5. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and illicit drugs.

6. Try to avoid people that do not build you up.

7. Limit your stress

8. Be very careful when trying to take vitamins and herbs in lieu of medication. You could be gambling with your life if you are unaware of the side effects of these.

9. Change your diet. Your diet should be heavy on lean proteins such as turkey, chicken and lean red meat. Eat vegetables, fruit and grains. Avoid sugar and saturated fat. Limit or avoid dairy product intake. Food allergies have been known to trigger mood swings.

Bi-Polar disorder is a very serious disease but which these guidelines the episodes may be shorter and less intense.