Take an Active Role

Taking an active role in managing bipolar disorder is important. Here are some things you can do that may help:

Read and learn about bipolar disorder.
Track your moods and symptoms.
Try to learn what triggers your mood episodes and avoid those things.
Keep a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider.
Talk with your healthcare provider about joining a support group.

Wellness Checklist

If you have bipolar disorder, a Wellness Checklist can help you care for yourself. Use this Wellness Checklist to keep track of the following:

Talk to your counselor or healthcare provider regularly.
Keep all of your appointments.
Take your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Spend talking and listening time with a friend.
Do exercises that help you relax, focus, and reduce stress.
Participate in fun activities.
Record your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
Create a daily planning calendar.
Avoid street drugs and alcohol.
Make sure you spend some time outdoors every day.
Improve your diet. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and heavily salted foods.
Attend a local support group regularly if your healthcare provider
agrees.

Click here for printer-friendly Wellness Checklist.

Mood Chart

A good way to manage bipolar disorder is to keep track of how you're feeling. To do it right, you need a sense of how things are going.

Creating a written record is a good way to see things clearly. You will also learn how the patterns and events in your life affect bipolar disorder.

Click here for a Mood Chart and other tools to help manage bipolar disorder.

Next: Clinical Trials