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Old Jun 02, 2011, 08:34 AM
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blueoctober blueoctober is offline
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Member Since: Jul 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,198
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djinn8 View Post
I'm thinking of printing this thread out. Don't know if it'll do anything and there's a chance she'll she the whole thing as an insult, but its worth a shot I guess.
I don't know her, but she may find that off-putting. I would suggest just giving her some time. Bottom line is she needs to put the effort in. No one can do it for her and she needs to be an active member in her recovery.

This is my list that I've done up for managing bipolar.

·Take meds as prescribed.

·Educate yourself on the illness.

·Be honest with your psychiatrist, GP, therapist etc.

·Get regular sleep, if you can't sleep ask for a prescription for sleep to be taken regularly or as needed.

·Eat properly i.e. avoid excessive caffeine, junk food etc.

·Avoid alcohol.

·Avoid non-prescription drugs and/or drugs not prescribed to you.

·Exercise regularly.

·Set a routine for yourself i.e. getting up at the same time, going to sleep at the same time.

·Surround yourself with people that fill you up.

·Take time for yourself.

·Be patient. The med regime for many diagnosed does take time, but it's worth taking the time.

·Write in a journal especially with how you are feeling right now; that way if you ever considered going off meds it may help you make a better decision.

·Track your mood. Great free one online at http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker

·And finally remember you aren't your diagnosis. You have bipolar, but you aren't bipolar.
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Favorite book on bipolar "Living with Someone who is Living with Bipolar Disorder" by Chelsea Lowe, 2010

Check out my blog The Bipolar Roller Coaster: http://blueoctober.psychcentral.net/
New Post March 23 "New Therapist"
Thanks for this!
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