Any change to what we perceive as our normal routine can set off alarms that alert the bipolar demons. They race to our side and dig in, hoping to catch us at a weak moment. But finding a workable routine isn't easy either.

Trial and error is the best option. Keep a journal of the positives and negatives. Keep in mind that a negative can become a positive with some minor tweaking. Think of a puzzle. You fit the pieces together until you have a complete picture. You might try a puzzle piece several places before you find the right spot. We do the same thing when looking for solutions to help us control the bipolar. In the end, we have a full picture that makes us smile.

At times, when I look back to the discovery of my diagnosis, I'm amazed at the journey that brought me to where I am today. Each episode of mania and every low period taught me more about the disorder and how it affected me mentally and physically. That doesn't mean I'm free of the symptoms that plague others with bipolar. Far from it. However, because I've learned what triggers the highs and the lows, I can steer clear of those things.

On the other hand, there are times when I miss those triggers and the mood shifts so fast I can't stop it from happening. The only good part is that I usually can shift it back to a normal mood just as fast.

That all means nothing little to someone else when he or she is struggling. I wish I could teach everyone the tricks I've used. Yet not everyone is receptive to spending vast amounts of time learning about a disorder they despise. I read this on a website soon after my diagnosis:

You are not damaged goods . . . you are not alone. 

Bipolar doesn't have to be thought of as horrible thing. Hearing that diagnosis isn't easy, but after the initial shock, look for the good. Consider the differences before and after, with medications and without, therapy or no therapy. When you compare everything, and make an honest evaluation, knowing is a good thing because you can get the help you need.

Anyone following this blog may have noticed that most of the posts use the generic 'we' as a way of including everyone with the disorder. However, I find that at times, like today, 'I' is the best choice.

I've purposely stayed away from statistics and facts, preferring to use my experience to help others. I ran across a paper I did for school (I went to college in 2010-2012 for psychology). Below are the comments from an expository essay I wrote in one of my first classes. The title was 'Managing Bipolar Disorder is a Lifelong Journey' . . .


This is an excellent essay. The thoroughness of research is very apparent with main points arranged in a logical progression. The information is very informative within the body that contains specific details and analysis of the main points. Your sentence and paragraph construction and transitions created a coherent flow through the paper. You have an easy to read writing style with an excellent vocabulary command and word choice. I would like your permission to use this essay as an example for future classes. I enjoyed reading your essay and working with you in class. Well done!

Made me smile. Then and now. 

How do we make the lows easier to manage if we are alone? Are there ways we can help ourselves? Here are three simple tips to help yourself get through the lows:
 

Grab a fleece blanket or stuffed animal and cuddle it close to your face. The soft material brings comfort.

Talk to yourself. Hearing another voice, even if it is your own, can trick the mind into thinking someone is there with you.

Play your favorite music. Put on something that calms you, something soothing and inspiring. Soon you'll be humming along to the music. And before long, you'll be singing.

Bipolar highs and lows do not come with directions. Neither are they consistent for everyone who has the disorder. The mania can last a few minutes, a day, or more. A low can stick around for days, a week, or minutes.

Information is vital. Learning what triggers the ups and downs gives us the upper hand. So let's say we know what caused us to crash. Our mood dropped and we see nothing positive or good in life. And even though we're aware of why our head is in the place it is, we can't get out. Or can we?

Find someone, fast. Find a friend or family member to talk you through it. Don't hold back. Get the crud off your mind. Spit it out, even if the words aren't in any real order and don't make a lot of sense. Say what hurts and what's making you crash.

Then find a word, a sentence, a topic, from their side of the conversation. And twist it around into something silly. Make them laugh. Confuse them at the sudden turn around in your mood and it will change how you feel about yourself. Because you've just found something positive. And that one little moment will lead to more, and within a short time, you've crawled out of the dark pit and into the light again.

Is it easy? Not at first, but after you've worked yourself out of the low several times, you'll find it gets easier. Will it work each time? No, of course not, because not every low is the same. But it can help. And any help is better than nothing.

Bipolar receives increased media attention whenever an actor/actress, athlete, politician, etc., finds themselves in trouble or acts different than normal. Their struggles become the topic of the week. While that can be helpful in spreading information about the disorder, it limits the personal space they need to improve.

The symptoms aren't different for people based on their wealth, social status, or career choices. However, treatments vary because the rich and famous can afford to get whatever help they need, whereas the average person doesn't always have access to the same treatments. That's where media attention helps. The more people read about bipolar, the more they can help someone with the disorder.

Find out how you can help someone in distress. Learn how to support someone when they are struggling.