Ways to Prevent Relapse of Bipolar Disorder

Ways to Prevent Relapse of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1% of the population. It is a chronic relapsing illness characterized by mania and/or depression. This can have devastating consequences on a patient's life, especially if they have many relapses and the disease is not well controlled. If you have bipolar disorder, you may have difficulties at work and problems with your co-workers. Social impairment can also occur if family members become frustrated with your behavior when you feel uncomfortable. Divorce rates are much higher, particularly among patients with bipolar disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder are at higher risk of suicide, especially when they are unwell.

Therefore, preventing relapses of bipolar disorder is crucial to prevent worsening of your psychosocial and occupational functioning. Here are some steps you or another person affected by bipolar disorder can take to ensure you have the lowest possible risk of relapse.

1. Contact your psychiatrist

Patients often fall behind on their treatment because they are not confident about the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and are unsure about how medication or therapy can help them. Often the diagnosis of Bipolar is made when the patient is not well, and even if the doctor has taken a lot of time to explain and psychologically educate Bipolar, the patient may not understand the issues at hand due to the poor judgment and concentration one has during a manic or depressive episode.

Therefore, education about the disease and treatment must be repeated in subsequent sessions as you feel better. If your psychiatrist If you don't, it's best if you address this yourself and clarify any doubts or questions you may have about your condition.

Working well with your psychiatrist will help you gain an understanding of your illness and build confidence in the treatment regimen. This takes time and that is why it is very important that you keep your appointments and see your doctor regularly.

2. Understand yourself

Nobody knows you better than you. Yes, not even your therapist or your psychiatrist. You know best what stresses you and what makes you happy and content. It helps you find time to examine and be aware of these issues. Know your own limits and try to accept them. Remember, only when you accept who you are can you begin to change yourself.

Many patients with bipolar disorder will worry about whether they will relapse when they feel happy or when they feel sad. Knowing the boundaries of your mood and recording them on normal days will help you understand them better. By understanding what your normal mood is, you can begin to be aware of abnormal mood states and take the necessary steps when they occur.

3. Understand your illness

There is often a relapse signature in bipolar disorder. This means that a pattern may be apparent before a relapse. For example, some patients may have sleepless nights or they may notice that they are more talkative or speak faster. Understanding your illness will help you identify your relapse signature. This, in turn, allows you to seek treatment early and prevent a relapse.

4. Stick to your schedule

Patients with bipolar disorder have been shown to do well when they have a stable bio-social rhythm. This means that maintaining a regular circadian rhythm in activities such as sleeping, waking, eating and exercise can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms and prevent relapse.

5. Stick to your meds!

The best evidence to prevent a relapse is to make sure you take your medications regularly and get them refilled on time. Often medication doses can be reduced when the disease is in remission. If you experience side effects from your medications, you should discuss with your psychiatrist how best to reduce or overcome them. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, you run the risk of a relapse!

Inspired by Boon Leng Lim