I thought it might be helpful for any lurkers here (or possibly regulars, too) to share strategies or things that help prevent or ease bipolar episodes besides just medications. Over the years, I found it crucial to combine the two. Could you share one or more of yours?

Preventing/Easing/Cutting short Hypo/Mania:
- "Laying low". Avoiding stimulating places/things/activities sometimes prevents stoking the fire of my mania, so to speak.

- "As needed medications". My long-time pdoc prescribed meds to use for this. He gave me directions on what and how much to use, "when needed" and when it was time to call him for emergency appointments.

- "Stress reduction/avoidance". A biggie for me!

- "Good sleep and not deliberately avoiding it".

- Healthy diet and low/no alcohol or street drugs".

- "Knowing my danger months/triggers". Springtime has been when my hypomanias/manias often start. Light/longer days. Self checks. Also my loved ones will be more vigilant.

Depression/Anxiety:
- "Stress reduction/avoidance", as above.

- "Avoiding hypomania/mania". If I can avoid the "up", I can often avoid a "down" that often follows.

- "Healthy diet and low/no alcohol/drugs."

- "Quick intervention". Nip it by the bud by seeing my pdoc before it gets bad.

- "Certain Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coping tools". These have served me well, especially for anxiety and sometimes curbing that prevents/eases depression. Mindfulness exercises can also help to varying degrees.

- "Knowing danger months/triggers". Same as above.