I find the stable periods are probably the most important times as far as dealing with bipolar disorder long-term. I can't ignore my bipolarness in between episodes; it does no good to just put out fires during crises and not work on prevention and planning in the "off season".

My ability to manage through and cope during my episodes in greatly increased by the work I do in my stability with my therapist and by staying consistent in my self care (be that staying active, nurturing my soul through my interests, friends, church, etc.).

I'm a teacher, and there is a reason we have fire drills and disaster drills, etc. You don't wait until the building is on fire to teach them how to exit the building or duck and cover; you practice during times of safety and normalcy so that they can put those skills and knowledge to good use if and when the crisis comes. I feel the same way about my bipolar episodes. I have to continuously practice those coping skills when I am stable; it really does lessen the impact of the episodes when they do occur.