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What are some things I can do that might help me feel better?
Know the difference between your symptoms and your true
self. Your HCPs can help you separate your true identity from
your symptoms by helping you see how your illness affects your
behavior. Be open about behaviors you want to change and set
goals for making those changes.
Educate your family and involve them in treatment when
possible. They can help you spot symptoms, track behaviors and
gain perspective. They can also give encouraging feedback and
help you make a plan to cope with any future crises.
Work on healthy lifestyle choices. Recovery is also
about a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular sleep,
healthy eating, and the avoidance of alcohol, drugs, and risky
behavior.
Find the treatment that works for you. Talk to your HCP
about your medications' effects on you, especially the side
effects that bother you. Remember to chart these effects so
that you can discuss them fully with your HCP. You might need
to take a lower dosage, a higher dosage, or a different
medication. You might need to switch your medication time from
morning to evening or take medication on a full stomach. There
are many options for you and your HCP to try. Side effects can
be reduced or eliminated. It is very important to talk to your
HCP first before you make any changes to your medication or
schedule.
Talk with your HCP first if you feel like changing your
dosage or stopping your medication. Explain what you want to
change and why you think it will help you.
Treatments for Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Treatments that work can help you:
- » Reach your goals.
- » Build on the strengths you have and the things you
can do.
- » Plan your health care based on your needs.
- » Live your life without the interference of symptoms.
Treatments can include some or all of these elements: therapy,
medications, peer support, and overall lifestyle changes.
Medications for Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Your HCP might prescribe one or more medications to treat
your symptoms. These may include:
- » Mood stabilizers: These medications help
balance your highs and lows. Some mood stabilizer
medications are called anticonvulsants, because they are
also used to treat epilepsy.
- » Antidepressants: These medications help lift
the symptoms of depression. There are several different
classes (types) of antidepressants.
- » Antipsychotics: These medications are
primarily used to treat symptoms of mania. Even if you are
not hallucinating or having delusions, these medications
can help slow racing thoughts to a manageable speed.
Talk Therapy
There are many types of talk therapy that can help you
address issues in your life and learn new ways to cope with
your illness. Goal setting is an important part of talk
therapy. Talk therapy can also help you to:
- » Understand your illness
- » Overcome fears or insecurities
- » Cope with stress
- » Make sense of past traumatic experiences
- » Separate your true personality from the mood swings
caused by your illness
- » Identify triggers that may worsen your symptoms
- » Improve relationships with family and friends
- » Establish a stable, dependable routine
- » Develop a plan for coping with crises
- » Understand why things bother you and what you can do
about them
- » End destructive habits such as drinking, using
drugs, overspending or risky sex
- » Address symptoms like changes in eating or sleeping
habits, anger, anxiety, irritability or unpleasant
feelings
Peer Support
Support from people who understand is another important part
of recovery. There are many ways to get this support. DBSA
offers a variety of ways to interact with your peers, such as
support groups and discussion forums.
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