- Contents
- What is bipolar disorder?
- What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
- How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
- What illnesses often co-exist with bipolar disorder?
- What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?
- Genetics
- Brain structure and functioning
- How is bipolar disorder treated?
- Medications
- Psychotherapy
- Other treatments
- What research is NIMH doing to improve treatments for bipolar disorder?
- How can I help a friend or relative who has bipolar disorder?
- How can caregivers find support?
- How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
- Where can I go for help?
- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
- Citations
- For more information on bipolar disorder
How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
It may be very hard to take that first step to help yourself. It may take time, but you can get better with treatment.
To help yourself:
- Talk to your doctor about treatment options and progress.
- Keep a regular routine, such as going to sleep at the same time every night and eating meals at the same time every day.
- Try hard to get enough sleep.
- Stay on your medication.
- Learn about warning signs signaling a shift into depression or mania.
- Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately.
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