#1 Find the right therapist for you
This is an important first step; but don’t feel badly if it takes a few times to find the right therapist for you. It’s critical that you can build a trusted relationship with this person and you feel completely comfortable. After learning about the different treatment orientations and their experience, it’s time to interview potential therapists. Ultimately, trust your gut and the connection you feel good about.
#2 Find the right treatment plan for you
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to emotional, behavioral and psychological protocols. All
—pharmalogical, therapy, lifestyle—needs to be designed specifically for you. Perhaps for you, focusing on therapy for the mind, as much as you do on medication for the brain, will help or maybe it’s something you haven’t yet considered. This is where a trusted therapist relationship is important.
#3 Seek support from others
Depending on your situation, talk to your family and close friends about your diagnosis to explain what you have been struggling with and what it could mean going forward. Seek the support from someone you trust to help in the event you can’t help yourself. Many have found it constructive to join a support group, whether online or in person to have like-minded people to share this emotional time.
#4 Become self-aware
Discover your red flags. What incites euphoria: poor sleep, excessive stress? What brings you down: negative thinking, bad relationships? Being aware of what triggers your mood swings can help minimize mania and decrease depression. It will be an ongoing learning experience.
#5 Eat, move and sleep
Eat brain-nutrient and heart-healthy foods (think Mediterranean diet) and remove toxic items like simple sugar (dextrose, fructose and glucose) from your diet. Next, get exercise each and every day; it’s good for both your heart and your brain. Finally, since sleep is so important to moods, and can trigger either a manic or depressive episode, carefully regulating your sleep is vital. Experts recommend a strict routine where you go to bed and rise the same time every day.
#6 Never stop learning
Being knowledgeable is key to getting well. These days, the Internet makes it easier than ever to gain insight. Learn common triggers, coping mechanisms, medications and possible side effects. If you’re educated there is less chance you’ll settle short and instead will set your sights for full recovery high.
