Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition.
It causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy). You should take into account all the recommendations of the attending physician, self-medication or arbitrarily making changes in the course of treatment is not allowed.
You'll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder. Here are some steps to take:
- Quit drinking.
- Form healthy relationships. Surround yourself with people who are a positive influence. Friends and family members can provide support and help you watch for warning signs of mood shifts.
- Create a healthy routine. Having a regular routine for sleeping, eating and physical activity can help balance your moods. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Check first before taking other medications. Call the doctor who's treating you for bipolar disorder before you take medications prescribed by another doctor or any over- the-counter supplements or medications. Sometimes other medications trigger episodes of depression or mania or may interfere with medications you're taking for bipolar disorder.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-
treatment/drc-20355961
