Getting diagnosed with any mental health condition, especially bipolar disorder, can leave you with a mix of emotions. You may feel angry, upset, or nervous about what comes next or how this news will be received by others. You may be uneasy with new questions after this diagnosis. There’s also a chance that you feel relief from finally getting an answer to why you’ve experienced certain symptoms.
The time after your diagnosis can feel daunting and overwhelming. As you’re trying to figure out what you should do next, it’s important to keep a positive outlook on the situation. Here are five positive steps you can take to start navigating your journey.
Educate Yourself on Bipolar Disorder
How familiar are you with bipolar disorder? You may have heard of it before, or it may have never been on your radar. The best thing you can do to set yourself up well is to educate yourself on what it means to have bipolar disorder. There’s much more to it than the 1% of information you may hear tossed around.
Learn about the different types or variations. Research what the symptoms are and how they can manifest. See what kind of resources are available and what options you have for treatment. Knowledge is power and will be a useful tool for you.
Give Yourself Grace
Dealing with bipolar is going to be a long journey and one that requires constant maintenance. There will be days that seem easy and others that feel like a challenge.
The important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Any feelings or emotions you have are normal. Don’t view hiccups as weaknesses but as growth opportunities for the next time. If you’re making conscious efforts to control your situation and move in a positive direction, you’re doing the best you can.
Being overly critical of yourself will only make your journey harder. So remember to give yourself praise for the good days and grace for the tougher ones.
Establish a Healthy Routine
Having bipolar disorder can require some lifestyle changes, starting with establishing healthy routines. These can help stabilize your mood and manage symptoms.
Establish the habit of getting good quality and quantity of sleep each night. Prioritize consistency in your sleep schedule. Maintain a diet that is rich in nutrients, including whole and unprocessed foods. Set a goal for getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three to five times weekly.
Don’t Manage Your Situation Alone
Your natural tendency may be to keep all or most of this diagnosis a secret. Remember, your friends and family are there to support you. The worst thing you can do is isolate yourself while you’re trying to figure matters out.
Don’t be afraid to confide in your loved ones. Sharing your experiences and asking for support can make all the difference in the trajectory of your journey. Who knows, you may even find someone who has gone through the same thing or something similar. You may find resources you didn’t realize you already had at your fingertips.
Set Up a Treatment Plan
As mentioned, bipolar disorder requires a long-term management plan. It’s important to develop healthy coping strategies for when you have an episode. Having a “toolbox” can make managing current and future episodes much easier and more effective.
You’ll also want to work with a mental health professional to establish a long-term treatment plan. This will include an appropriate medication regimen, like mood stabilizers or antidepressants. It also includes finding a therapy approach that works for you.
By taking positive steps towards a long-term approach, you can get yourself on a productive track. If you’d like to learn more about therapy options for managing your recent bipolar diagnosis, schedule a consultation with us today.
