How to manage bipolar disorder - 6 Strategies

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Published 2018-05-16

How to manage bipolar disorder. Even though medication is the mainstay of managing bipolar disorder, there are ways you can manage bipolar disorder naturally without medication (or independent of your medication). The first step is to identify what triggers you to get off your normal cycle. People with Bipolar Disorder are sensitive to even small disruptions in their equilibrium. Step two is to keep a mood diary. This can help you see how you are progressing or when you are moving from one episode to another. Step three is to establish a daily routine. Step five is to have an activity plan that you implement when you are oversleeping or withdrawing during your depressed phase. Step five is to implement dark therapy for the manic periods. Step six is to establish a relapse prevention plan.

DOWNLOAD THE PACKET HERE markspsychiatry.com/manage-bipolar/

References
Barbini B1, Benedetti F, Colombo C, Dotoli D, Bernasconi A, Cigala-Fulgosi M, Florita M, Smeraldi E. Dark therapy for mania: a pilot study.
Bipolar Disord. 2005 Feb;7(1):98-101.

Henriksen TE, Skrede S, Fasmer OB, et al. Blue‐blocking glasses as additive treatment for mania: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial. Bipolar Disorders. 2016;18(3):221-232.

Harvey AG: Sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder: seeking synchrony, harmony, and regulation. Am J Psychiatry 2008;

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All Comments (21)

@DrTraceyMarks 6 years ago

Click here to download the Manage Bipolar Packet markspsychiatry.com/manage-bipolar/
@darksoul479 1 year ago

What I have found other than taking my medication, the most important thing for me is to get enough sleep.
@reFocusZone 3 years ago

Everyone remember this one: “ANY kind of MOVEMENT is an IMPROVEMENT.” ... (and pat yourself on your back every time you decide to make movements, even if it’s just getting up to put your dirty dishes in the sink or take out the trash 🗑 👏🙌
@BrownGeorge-pw2xo 2 months ago

I got diagnosed with bipolar 18 years ago as a teenage. Spent my whole life fighting bipolar. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.
@victorialuke1688 3 years ago

being bipolar in the pandemic yay i feel like i'm in a 6 months rollercoaster by now, I'm exhausted
@susanveraldi8788 5 years ago

If all doctors were as knowledgeable and able to explain this disease, we may conquer this. Thank you for your knowledge!!!
@hey34 2 years ago

How to manage bipolar disorder - 6 strategies 1. Identify things that trigger an episode 2. Keep a record of your moods, e.g. mood diary 3. Establish a daily routine: build your time around anchor points 4. Have an activity plan for when you're in an low mood episode 5. Use dark therapy (6PM-8AM) can be blue light blocking glasses especially in a high mood episode 6. Have a relapse prevention plan, using step 1. Make sure to take your meds
@tstreeter1141 5 years ago

I'm absorbed in self pity right now , but would like to try these tips in the future.
@anthonysalatino8793 3 years ago

At age 55 i'm embarassed to say I needed this but wow. THANK YOU
@TKO-qj5zx 4 years ago

I’m bipolar 1, mixed. I have a real hard time figuring out if I’m manic or depressed. It’s both at the same time.
@gabagaba4023 5 years ago

1. Identify Triggers 2. Record Your Moods With A Mood Diary 3. Establish A Daily Routine 4. Have An Activity Plan (Disaster Management Plan) 5. Use Dark Therapy (Dark Environment From 6pm to 8am) 6. Relapse Prevention Plan (Strategy to avoid triggers or be less reactive to them)
@nonsuch 5 years ago

When you are Bipolar 2, you yearn for mania. I dare not prevent it.
@TheBooster96 3 years ago

Dr. Marks: sleep deprivation is really what can lead to those manic episodes Me watching this at 2am: ...
@busybeeclass 5 years ago

Thanks so much, Doctor! This should be required viewing for all diagnosed folks and their families...so helpful and simply presented. This has really helped my entire family. You are a God-send!
@reginarendon4854 4 years ago

I watch your videos because my daughter was diagnosed with bipolar 2 a few years ago, and it has been a real roller coaster ride in our family. Numerous hospitalizations and several suicide attempts as well. Your knowledge and thoroughness of teaching about mental illness is superb!
@Fliiiiiick 4 years ago

I like having my planned activities! I usually sleep 12-15 hours a day and stay in bed under the covers even longer but I know I always need to feed my fish at a certain time and then I always try to do one extra thing (library, a walk to a coffee shop, etc) especially when my fiancé gets home from work and I can do them with a partner
@RichRobinson 2 years ago

I want to give this wonderful lady a hug for all the content she’s put out into the world for us. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.
@yssemhair 3 years ago

At 41 I've had almost 20 years since being diagnosed with Bipolar 1. Your mental health explanations have been the best I've ever seen. I say this because I've had many an episode where I have spent hours reading or listening to individuals trying to explain what I was experiencing. Just like the right combo of meds and strategies, we find you. I've learned what my triggers are and can usually identify them. The loss of control is my weakness though. But we move forward and I think once a person accepts it and tries to move forward, life gets a lot more bearable. Thank you.
@manthansharma9838 3 years ago

Dr. Tracey Marks is extremely brilliant and a great communicator. She explains things in such a simple language that it becomes easy to understand. Her videos are just about the right length and do not get boring. Thanks a ton Dr. Tracey. I am a big fan and have been a Bipolar for about 25 years now. You explanation of the difference between Bipolar 1 and 2 was also fantastic. I am now going through all your lectures (videos) one by one Thanks for all the help to the Bipolar Community.
@chriswells485 4 years ago

Dr. Tracey Marks playlist would have to be the most constructive, concise and well articulated information I've found anywhere online. This has significantly helped myself and family understand my mother's state - which has been undiagnosed and untreated for 50 odd years. Dr. Tracey Marks - i sincerely want to thank you for this channel and your work on this topic.