Balancing Your Daily Life

Regular daily activities may help people with bipolar disorder.

Some things you can do include:

• Go to sleep and wake up at about the same time each day.
• Be active every day. Take time to walk, swim, dance, or get some other type of exercise, if your healthcare provider says it's okay.
• Try not to skip meals or eat too much.
• Ask your healthcare provider about the use of alcohol.
• Don't use street drugs.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines and vitamins you take.

Other important steps to take:

• Consider asking trusted family or friends to help you.
• Fill out your mood chart on a regular basis
• Take your medicines on time.
• See your healthcare provider regularly.
• Make a list of people to call if you are not doing well. Your support team may notice symptoms before you do.

On the Job

If you have bipolar disorder, you may be worried about work. It may seem very hard right now. But plenty of people with bipolar disorder have jobs and live normal lives.

Many of the ways to be successful at work are the same as for other parts of your life. One step is to stay with your treatment plan. See your healthcare provider regularly. Always check with your healthcare provider if your symptoms change or get worse. Your treatment may need adjusting.

Other things you can do include:

• Take breaks.
• Try to keep regular hours that let you get enough sleep every day.
• Use personal planners or calendars to help you manage your time.
• Break large tasks into smaller steps. That way, you can feel good about finishing each step.
• Try to avoid stress and other things that could trigger a mood episode at work.
• Take care of your physical health.
• There may be special support programs as part of your employee health benefits package. Find out what services are available.

How much you discuss openly with employers and co-workers is up to you. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider or counselor about what, if anything, to say. Telling those around you about your condition may not be the right choice in all situations.

If mood symptoms get in the way of your ability to work, discuss your options with your healthcare provider or therapist.

Next: Leisure Time