I agree with so much of what the wise posters have offered here. We are all unique, but I feel there are some solid patterns here that lead to a better chance of success. I'll offer how I go about it.

First, I reviewed my life to see which behaviors and circumstances contributed to my instability. I then removed as many triggers from my life as possible even though it required me to give up things that offered a sense of purpose or enjoyment.

I created a list of long term emotional wounds I needed to discuss and work toward healing in therapy. I began seeing a therapist regularly and added new topics as things came up situationally. I also used my triggers as indicators of what to focus on.

I saw a pdoc regularly and followed the advice. When I was on meds I took them regularly. There were several unfortunate side effects and I partnered with my doc to find ways to stay stable with less effects. I created strategies to accept and counteract the effects I could not avoid such as weight gain. I am now med free with my doctor's blessing, but I will not hesitate to return to them if needed. They were a much needed and helpful tool to me.

I track myself daily. This includes my mood, sleep, diet, activity, health issues, thought patterns, etc.

I get regular sleep. I keep the same schedule even if I struggle to sleep. Eventually, it returns to normal again. I keep an eye on my dreams as several times they have been indicators of things I needed to process further in therapy.

I researched a ton about bipolar disorder, mania and psychosis. I was interested to learn the different ways it affected people so that I might have greater insight into any future symptoms I might have. This also helped me have more in-depth converstations with my T and pdoc. I asked individuals here for their stories and read the details of their experiences noting common patterns so that I could better understand how people are affected on a daily basis.

I learned coping skills. I leaned on them immediately any time I felt like my mind was travelling down a path that might lead to relapse. Some worked and some did not. I just kept trying until something stuck. What works in one moment sometimes fails in another. The goal was to have as wide a toolbox as possible.

I sought out support. I leaned on my family and friends. I also came here. It was incredibly helpful to speak with people who truly understand. I have learned a ton here and the support is amazing.

I focused on my physical health. I exercise almost daily now and I stay active every day. I eat well and I am continually looking for ways to improve physically. I also practice consistent self care.

I focus on my spiritual support. I take care to renew my spirit through various practices. Prayer, mindfulness, grounding in nature, fellowship with others, meditation, etc.

The last thing I am focused on is a continual process. I am learning I need to reinvent myself in a number of ways. I need healthier hobbies. I need service projects that are better suited for my mental and emotional health. I need a new plan professionally. I'm trying new things and keeping an open mind while I transform so many areas of my life. It has been a year since I was sick and so much of my life looks completely different than it did a year ago. Losing my mind was a very loud cry for help from my subconscious. I am doing all I can to take it seriously. I am implementing various strategies for change incrementally and adjusting as I go. This is all very new for me, but it has been a worthwhile effort. I feel healthier and I'm able to be a better wife and mother. That was my ultimate goal. Stability is a byproduct.