By Stephen Propst
Tips for aging with bipolar: solidify your support system, focus on your overall health, keep stress at bay, maintain stability, and nurture your self-esteem.
When I turned 50, I was shocked—but it wasn’t for the typical reasons. Given my battle with bipolar, I just didn’t think I’d live this long!
Getting on in years is hard for anyone; however, if you live with a mood disorder, you’ve really got to be bold to grow old. That said, taking the following five factors into account can help.
#1 Support
As we age, we lose people who have always been there for us. When my mother passed away, it was a stark reminder that changes in my circle of support are inevitable. We have to think about ways to maintain our support network over time.
Establish new connections, or rekindle old ones. Have an open, honest conversation with family or friends you know you can count on, especially in a crisis. Begin thinking today about plans for your care in the future.
#2 Syndrome
According to some statistics, people living with severe mental health conditions die, on average, 25 years earlier than their healthy counterparts. This is due, in part, to what’s called metabolic syndrome: a greater likelihood of such conditions as hypertension, obesity, and heart problems.
It is imperative to discuss your overall health with your general medical doctor. How long has it been since you’ve had a complete physical? While seeing your psychiatrist is important, you want to stay on top of your total well-being—from head to toe.
#3 Stress
One thing is for sure, I don’t handle the load of everyday life in my 50s like I did in my younger years. It takes less and less to create more and more anxiety around what by now should be routine. I’ve started taking more decisive steps to deal with stress, like learning to say no when I need to, paying more attention to my sleep habits, and watching what I eat. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques also helps.
In addition, curtailing negative thinking and self-talk is critical. It pays to avoid the people, places, and practices that strain your brain. For me, taking time each day to remind myself how much I’m blessed helps me feel less stressed!
#4 Stability
As I’ve grown older, my mood swings seem to be more unpredictable. The stability I’ve fought for years to maintain now seems more elusive. These days, depression packs a heavier mental and physical punch. And because I have less stamina than I once had, recovery takes more time and energy than it used to.
Try to avoid isolation, and make an effort to connect more with others. Volunteer with a favorite charity or join a social group with people who share a common interest. Schedule something, no matter how simple, to help get you out of bed and more active instead!
#5 Self-Esteem
I’ve always struggled with low self-esteem, as do many of us who live with bipolar. Despite spending a very productive decade in therapy to improve my sense of self-worth, the passing years are once again taking a toll. As you confront countless changes, from weight gain to job loss, it can become increasingly hard to hold your head high.
It never hurts to consider counseling again (or perhaps for the first time) to gain a healthier perspective and learn some coping skills. At a minimum, keep (or start) attending support groups where you can share your concerns with caring people who offer a listening ear and a helping hand.
Granted, getting older can make dealing with bipolar tougher, but there are positive steps you can take. Do what you can to solidify your support system, focus on your overall health, keep stress at bay, maintain stability, and nurture your self-esteem. You can’t turn back time, but you can put the aging process in its place!
Used by permission.