Priorities when Struggling with Bipolar Disorder

By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Outreach Coordinator

People struggling with bipolar disorder can experience mood fluctuations that may be severe and that can impair everyday functioning.  

While we cannot prevent all contributions to clinically impairing mood fluctuations, such as a potential genetic predisposition, we can take a look at other areas of a person’s life to reduce the intensity or frequency of mood fluctuations.  Some other factors that can contribute to the intensity and frequency of mood fluctuations in folks with bipolar disorder include stress, major life events or life changes, and lack of regular and plentiful sleep.

This blog will outline some priorities to focus on when it comes to reducing or maintaining symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Some priorities include: 

• Consistent medication management (if a part of the treatment plan): For people with bipolar disorder, medication can be a treatment option used to regulate mood and symptoms that can contribute to mood fluctuations.  This typically looks like a medication or a combination of medications that is prescribed by a psychiatrist.  It is important that the psychiatrist is educated about bipolar disorder and the treatment for it.
• Stress management: Stress can be a trigger for people struggling with bipolar disorder.  Stress management can be an important preventative tool for an escalation of mood symptoms.  Stress management options can vary.  Some examples are taking an anti-anxiety medication or practicing yoga or meditation consistently. Talking to a therapist who specializes in bipolar disorder can also help with stress management, as well as providing tools and tips for better managing and coping with mood fluctuations.  
• Increase sleep hygiene: A change in sleep patterns or a decrease in the amount or the quality of sleep can be a trigger for someone struggling with bipolar disorder.  It can be important to have a consistent sleep routine that includes a relatively similar bedtime and wake up time each day.  
• Safety planning:  For some people with bipolar disorder, safety may be a concern.  Intense depressive moods may contribute to thoughts of not wanting to be alive.  As these mood changes can happen fast, it is vital to have a safety plan for someone who may be struggling with bipolar disorder.  This safety plan can include triggers, warning signs, coping skills, support people’s contact information, name and contact information of the therapist and psychiatrist, a list of current medications, and the nearest hospital location.  A safety plan is recommended to be completed with a therapist or another mental health professional.  The safety plan should be completed and distributed to team members (therapist, psychiatrist, etc.) and/or loved ones.  This can make it easier for loved ones to support the person struggling with symptoms when symptoms arise.  A safety plan can also give loved ones an idea of what symptoms are manageable on an outpatient basis and what symptoms may require more intensive care.
• Social Support: It can be helpful to seek social support with other people who are struggling with similar symptoms.  This can help to reduce stigma and feelings of shame or isolation.  The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers free support groups for people struggling with bipolar disorder and for family members of a loved one who is struggling with bipolar disorder.  More information can be found on their website: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/ 

These priorities can be things to think about or conversations to have with your loved ones and/or treatment team.  Remember that no two people are the same, so these priorities may have to be shifted or altered to best support someone’s journey with bipolar disorder.  My hope is that this provides a starting place for thinking through how to prevent and decrease triggers of bipolar disorder and live a more fulfilling life - with less mood swings that interfere with daily functioning.

Working with professionals who are highly knowledgeable about bipolar disorder can feel refreshing and hopeful. 

Check out our other blog posts about bipolar disorder:

• Tips For Coping With Bipolar Disorder
• Seeking Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

​Our practice sees individuals with bipolar disorder for virtual therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida.

If you are struggling with bipolar disorder click the link below to schedule a free 15 min phone consultation with a therapist.​

Click here.

The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, and California, serving those in cities including Palo Alto, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, San Jose, and Beverly Hills. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com


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*Disclaimer: The information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for your independent medical decision-making nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.