Since being diagnosed in 2015, there have been a number of changes I’ve made and things I do to manage my mood. I’m a strong advocate for self-management partly because I think it reduces the stress of someone telling you what, when and how, which feels like intense pressure to me, but to contradict that, I would not be able to self-manage without the support of my family. Which means I have to be open to communicating with them and also receptive to what they have to say.
Below are some quick insights into how I manage my mood:
Bipolar UK Mood Scale
I’ve been using the mood scale from Bipolar UK to help assess my mood and manage my mood. Over time, I’ve learnt my baseline is between 3 & 4.
Food and Sleep Journal
Sometimes I lose my appetite, and when this goes on for too long, I know I’m susceptible to hypomania, the same with sleep. I’ve been known to go without significant amounts of food and sleep for weeks; if left unchecked, I will continue until 10. My family encourages me when I’m not eating and sleeping properly. The weight loss is the easiest visual identifier. They’ve learnt over time that they need to do this gently. History has shown that if they pressure me, it makes me worse.
Bipolar UK Support Group
Do not underestimate the importance of the connection with other people who have Bipolar. I began attending a support group. Spending just a few hours in the company reminds me that I am not experiencing this alone.
FAITH
While FAITH is last in this list, it is actually the first thing I rely on to help me get through. Coming around to being what I thought was being taken captive after being sectioned. I was confused, scared, and overwhelmed. I completely relied on God to get me through, give me strength, keep me safe, and help me when I was terrified.
GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
c7azybeautiful 