If you have bipolar disorder, you will not be able to prevent episodes of depression or mania occurring. However, there are steps that you can take to help manage the condition more effectively, such as:
- avoiding stressful situations that may trigger an episode of mania or depression
- avoiding drinking too much alcohol or taking recreational drugs, as this may trigger an episode of mania
- taking prescribed mood stabilising medication regularly and do not suddenly stop taking it because doing so may trigger an episode of mania or depression
- informing your doctor immediately if you get any side effects from the medication that you are taking. They can alter your dose or change the type of medication you are taking
- learning about your illness so that you can recognise the signs of an approaching episode, and can take the necessary steps to manage it effectively
If you have bipolar disorder, the help and support of your family and friends can be invaluable. If they know that you have the condition and understand what it is about, they can recognise when your behaviour is out of character and encourage you to seek help.
Your family and friends can also talk to you about your illness and provide you with comfort and support when you are having an episode of mania or depression.
