Bipolar Disorder is unfortunately a lifelong condition that has the ability to wreak havoc on its patients. Therefore, a patient needs to learn the coping skills for bipolar disorder. Earlier, it was called manic depression.  It is a mental health condition which results in extreme mood swings. They might even lose interest or pleasure in most activities. However, when the mood shifts to mania or hypomania, they may feel euphoric and full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can adversely affect sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behaviour, and the ability to think clearly.

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder. Rather, it is a separate diagnosis. Furthermore, the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous. However, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods. Sometimes, the patient might cope successfully. However, there are times when they can’t. Moreover, the manifestation of the illness is different in each person. However, the principles of coping are mostly universal. 

What are the few possible ways of coping?

The coping skills are the only way to reduce the potential damage of bipolar disorder in an organic manner. The manifestation of this disorder appears different in every person, but the coping principles share a universality. 

Sticking to a routine

A bipolar brain always thrives well with a routine. A fixed time for everything with maintained consistency allows it to carry on well. Consistency in waking time, eating habits, work schedule, and sleep hygiene can serve as a key to well-being. When the brain knows what it is doing next, it is no longer stressed out. Moreover, this leaves more room to figure out problems and handle other frustrations. Furthermore, a study presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) shared that establishing routines and consistent sleep cycles can ease the symptoms of bipolar.

Get consistent hours of sleep

Sleep is the most effective thing one can do to prevent mania. Therefore, it keeps your bipolar in check. Moreover, multiple studies have demonstrated the relationship between sleep deprivation and the risk of mania and hypomania. However, people with depression and bipolar in most cases, feel best at night. Therefore, they always feel the urge to stay up and compose their masterpiece or write their bestselling novel. However, the trick is to go to bed when the rush of creativity arrives. Moreover, to practice good sleep hygiene when you don’t want to is the key to coping.

Do regular exercise 

In the past, scientists have focused on the benefits of exercise for the heart, muscles, lungs, and bones. However, new research is focusing on how it improves the brain. That is how it causes less depression, creates better memory, and enhances quicker learning. Studies indicate that exercise might prove to be an effective strategy to deal with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

Consume brain food

There lies a strong bond between mood and food. Consuming excessive sugar or caffeine, for example, can put a sensitive person at risk for hypomania. A 2014 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the link between diet and depression risk. Moreover, the results showed that diet plays a crucial role. A meal consisting mainly of fruit, vegetables, fish, and whole grains was significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression. Other good brain foods include nuts, yoghurt, seeds, and not to miss dark chocolate.

Laughter as a medicine

Researchers have suggested laughter therapy can reverse the stress response. It is capable of altering dopamine and serotonin levels and thus facilitates healing. A healthy dose of laughter eases the mind and reduces the risk of depression. Laughter might prove to be an effective strategy to deal with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

Rely on Faith

A substantial amount of research shows the benefits of faith in reducing symptoms of depression. Moreover, in one study, researchers at McLean Hospital found that belief in God was associated with better results of treatment. Furthermore, they followed 159 individuals over a year. However, the researchers found that those with no belief or only a slight belief in God were twice as likely to not respond to treatment. Moreover, people with stronger beliefs showed better results.

Conclusion 

The strategic planning to cope with the illness has shown promising results. Bipolar disorder treatment has consistently contributed towards the betterment of the patients. The most prominent signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers may include severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings. However, symptoms are different in the case of adults. The coping skills are the only way to reduce the potential damage of bipolar disorder in an organic manner. Moreover, these coping principles share a universality.