I would add to the many great suggestions already given, CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). CBT includes mindfulness that can help one be aware of mood changes to try to cope with them. Unfortunately, I haven't found a therapist who does CBT (I live in a small town) but there are some good web sites to try to do self-help with it (Bipolar Mood Management) that have helped me. CBT does help with bipolar--do Internet search for "CBT bipolar" (e.g., http://bipolar.stanford.edu/document...ionDay2009.pdf).

The "best" coping skill is the one that we try, that works, and that we continue! What is the best for one person may not be the best for everyone.