If you struggle with bipolar disorder, you know what it’s like to wake up and not feel like getting out of bed due to depression. Basic things like washing your face and brushing your teeth can feel like a huge deal, and going to work and being productive feels totally out of reach. Dealing with bipolar disorder can be exhausting, and the stress worsens if you have a marriage to maintain or children to care for. Here are a few tips I’ve learned for dealing with bipolar disorder when you don’t feel like you can cope for another minute.
Get Dressed
Even if you put on clean sweatpants and a t-shirt, it’s important that you get dressed every day. Wash your face, brush your teeth, and take any medications that you’re on. These simple acts of self care will go a long way towards helping you feel better. Even if you’re incredibly depressed, these actions will likely re-set your brain and help you to have a more normal day.
Regulate Your Sleep
Proper sleep hygiene is incredibly important for bipolar patients. If you’re having difficulty sleeping a full eight hours, consider an herbal supplement like kava or skullcap, or talk to your doctor about prescription sleep aids. If you’re having problems with sleeping too much, set specific times for waking and sleeping and allow yourself one short nap during the day. Spending the whole day in bed may be tempting, but it will only set you up for problems sleeping at night.
Eat Regularly
When you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, it’s important to realize the effect that healthy food can have on your life. Proper nutrition will help your brain to function at its best, so be sure to eat a diet rich in whole grains, healthy fats, and protein. Skip the white sugar, white flour, and sweets – they’ll make you feel good, but these feelings are temporary and they can cause your mood to crash after the rush wears off.
Make Small Changes
If you look at your life and see overwhelming chaos, it may be time to think about a few changes. However, if you resolve to get a job, keep your house perfectly neat, and run a marathon, chances are you’ll be disappointed. Instead, set a goal and work towards it for a little while every day. Set a kitchen timer and spend 15 minutes cleaning your house daily. Focus on one room, and within a week you’ll see clear cut results. Progress is encouraging, and setting small goals helps you to build a list of successes.
