Not many people probably know of Bipolar Disorder. This is not coming as a shock because the reality is that the problem affects around 1% of the world’s population. This however does not mean that it is insignificant; in fact it is one of the chronic relapsing illnesses. The common characteristics of Bipolar Disorder are depression and episodes of mania. Bipolar Disorder can have devastating ramifications on the life of the patient more so if they have lots of relapses and the illness is not kept within control. Bipolar Disorder can manifest itself in the workplace where you find it very difficult to get along with your fellow employees. This condition also leads to social impairment especially when your family members feel that you are difficult and cannot cope with you any longer. Divorce rates are also reported to be the highest in cases where one of the partners has Bipolar Disorders. This is not all; suicide cases are rampant among people suffering from this condition.
All this lumped together brings us to one conclusion that the prevention of relapse of Bipolar Disorder is very critical in ensuring that the patient does not deteriorate in his occupational and psychological functioning. Below are some 5 steps that you can take prevent or lower the risk of getting a relapse.
Visit a Psychiatrist
Many cases of patients who default on their treatment do so because they do not feel that they are suffering from the illness. At this stage, the patients adopt a questioning position as to whether therapy or medication will have a real impact on them. In normal circumstances, diagnosis of Bipolar Condition is made when the individual is unwell. At this point the doctor usually takes time to explain and even take the patient through mental health education. The results however have shown that many patients still walk in disbelief after such sessions with doctors; they take the judgment as poor and unreliable.
To make it effective, it is advisable that the same education and information should be passed on to the patient when he feels well. This is normally done best by a psychiatrist as they can tell the reactions and how to deal with disbelief and inner rebellion. A close interaction with a psychiatrist will help you understand your condition in a comprehensive manner and possibly seek treatment.
Take Time to Understand Yourself
You are the one who understands yourself better than anyone else. You know what lifts your spirits and what lowers them down. Finding out about these cycles of emotions will help you get well along the way. You need to know your limits, how far you can stretch and accept that. It is by accepting yourself that you can change so many things about you. As a patient of Bipolar Disorder, you may at times wonder whether you are relapsing or it is just a normal period of emotional upheaval. By understanding yourself, you will know what is normal so that you can detect times of abnormality.
Get To Know Your Illness
Bipolar Disorder normally has a relapse signature. A pattern normally develops prior to the relapse just like the way it would happen in epilepsy or other diseases that have a lead time. These patterns are different and vary from one person to another. While others may feel restless at night, there are those who may find themselves becoming more talkative. By taking time to understand your illness and the cycle it comes with, you can easily know when it is fast approaching.
Develop A Schedule and Stick To It
Research and even experience has shown that Bipolar Disorder patients do extremely well in conditions where they have a stable bio-social pattern. This means that the patient has to work towards ensuring that the normal rhythmic patterns such as walking, sleeping and exercise are kept in check so as to increase the quality of life, fight off symptoms and ultimately prevent relapse.
Never Skip Your Medication Schedules
Discipline is very important in fighting off relapses in Bipolar Disorders. This is very important when it comes to medications and how observant you are of the doctors prescriptions. Observe the timing as per the doctor’s instructions. If the drugs are finished, you should immediately ask the doctor for further advice and also ask when you start developing side effects as a result of the drugs. Never be silent.
Author Bio
Raymond is a medical practitioner. He has been working with patients of Bipolar Disorder helping them to accept and confront their situations. He has been conducting regular researchon topic areas such as Unique Healing Therapy among others.