What to Do If You Are Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

You've just been to the doctor and they confirmed what you thought might be true, you have bipolar disorder. This moment may be comforting for some and difficult for others. It might be comforting to know and to name what has been wreaking so much havoc in your life. However, it is also the beginning of a long journey towards stability and balance.

Chances are, your doctor has suggested you take certain medications to help keep your mood swings and other symptoms at a minimum. Make sure you read the pamphlets that come with each medication and familiarize yourself with any side effects or unwanted symptoms. Many mental health medications have a variety of side effects and it is important to keep a close eye on your physical health.

If a difficult side effect manifests after taking your medication, call your doctor immediately. Do not give up on medications simply because one did not work. This is one of the largest mistakes that people make. Many people believe that if one medication does not work, then none will. This idea is simply false. Most people need to go though two or more medications until they find one that works the best with their body chemistry. Different anti-depressants, for example, each target different aspects of brain chemistry. Because of this, some work very well for some people and others do not. Try to keep an open dialogue with your psychiatrist and tell them what is happening. Oftentimes you cannot get help without asking for it.

Also, if you are not accustomed to taking medication daily, or nightly, it is important to get yourself a day of the week pill box to keep yourself organized and make sure you do not skip any doses. If you skip a dose of your medication, follow the directions in the notes of each of your medications as to what to do. Keep a copy on hand for easy reference.

After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder it might be helpful to begin keeping a daily journal to simply jot down what moods you have felt that day. It can be extremely helpful years later to look back and see what moods you typically have when. Using this method, you can track down your mood changes and patterns.