By Stephen Propst
Creating a mood-management plan is one thing. Having it work effectively and be something you can stick to? That’s where it can get a bit tricky. Here are my top 10 strategies for crafting a wellness plan that works for you!
I’m always looking for ways to effectively battle bipolar and boost recovery. Over the years, I’ve discovered 10 worthwhile tenets for achieving and maintaining wellness. I trust these lessons worth learning will prove beneficial to you, too!
- I sometimes look for a quick fix. But gaining control over a chronic condition like bipolar takes time. If you want to successfully manage a mood disorder, it pays to be patient. The results are well worth the wait!
- Adapting to ever-changing cycles is part and parcel of having bipolar. I try to adopt a go-with-the-flow attitude and take things in stride rather than beat myself up every time life doesn’t go as planned. Be flexible in facing whatever life flings at you.
- Whenever I start thinking “woe is me,” I have to think again. I realize that I have many reasons to give thanks. For starters, I’m grateful to God, the source of my hope. And I’m indebted to my family and friends for their support and encouragement. Take pause from dwelling on the burdens of bipolar and find cause to be thankful for life’s blessings.
- You may have heard that people who have bipolar tend to be more imaginative and inventive. Regardless, making the effort can’t hurt. Challenging yourself to be as creative as possible is good exercise for the brain. Coming up with new ideas for this column helps keep my mental juices flowing!
- How you see your situation is critical. For years, my sense of reality was shaped by emotional reaction rather than conscious choice. I eventually discovered that it’s worth the effort to think before I speak or act. You can do a better job managing a mood disorder when you’re mindful of what you’re doing.
- Early on in my recovery, I faced great difficulties because I knew so little. I started doing research, attending seminars, asking questions, and expanding my understanding of everything bipolar entails. Being knowledgeable is key to getting well. These days, the Internet makes it easier than ever to gain insight.
- How cognizant are you of what causes mood swings? What incites euphoria: poor sleep, excessive stress? What brings you down: negative thinking, bad relationships? Being aware of your triggers can help minimize mania and decrease depression.
- Having a regular routine—seeing your doctor, talking with your therapist, getting daily exercise, eating nutritional meals, getting restorative sleep—is critical. I find it beneficial to use a mood calendar or journal to stay on track. A recovery plan works best when you stick to it on a consistent basis.
- There’s no question that bipolar brings with it a world of hurt. But everyone faces challenges. Being sensitive to other people’s needs can improve your well-being. When I stop focusing on my problems and start helping others, it lifts my spirits and (hopefully) gives the people I’m helping more hope, too. That’s why I love volunteering.
- One of the silver linings of living with bipolar is that it forces you to be more humble. I once thought I could handle anything and do no wrong. But bipolar threw me flat on my face and made me realize that the world does not revolve around me. (Some might argue that I’ve yet to fully grasp that notion!)
As a Boy Scout, I only made it to Tenderfoot, the absolute lowest rank. But I did learn that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. I’ve ranked higher when it comes to recovery by learning to be patient, flexible, thankful, creative, mindful, knowledgeable, aware, consistent, sensitive, and humble. You, too, can reap the rewards of pursuing these principles. Scout’s honor!
Used by permission.