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Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
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23 Mar 2021 08:11 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:11 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Question 4: @SusanaBA There has been some recent research into self management of Bipolar Disorder. What were some of the key areas stemming from that research that can support recovery?
The research list 6 key wellbeing strategies for Bipolar Disorder, they are:
1) Managing sleep, diet, rest and exercise
The following list was shown to help stablise mood:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
- Eating healthy foods and eating at regular times throughout the day.
- Taking time out and resting such as lying down and watching TV.
- Engaging in regular and rountine exercise.
This might all sound like very simple straight forward advice but it has been shown to be effective and it is an inexpensive way to stablise your mood and take control of your life.
2) Ongoing monitoring
Paying close attention to your moods. It can take a lot of self-awareness to understand your personal behavioural patterns and warning signs. Always think before you act and try to keep calm even when in difficult situations. You could try cancelling social engagements when you think you have too much on. Notice when you are being critical on yourself for things that happened in the past and don’t be so hard on yourself. By learning what your early warning signs are you can make minor life adjustments to better help you regulate your mood.
3) Reflective and meditative practices
Keep a journal. Write about things you are grateful for. Write down the thoughts that are troubling you. Put them all down paper instead of in your head. Engage in meditation, yoga or Tai Chi – these activities can help you with your self-monitoring and help you get it touch with your zone of stability.
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23 Mar 2021 08:12 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:12 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
4) Understanding BD and educating others
There are many ways to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, such as reading books and newsletters, finding information on the Internet, attending support groups, keeping note of your cycles and stressors, and talking to healthcare practitioners. I recommend book’s such as An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamieson (1995) and A Brilliant Madness by Patty Duke (1992). The Blackdog Institute also has great resources about the definition, causes and treatments of Bipolar Disorder: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/bipolar-disorder/
Teaching your spouse/partner/or friend about bipolar disorder can be great way to learn together.
5) Connecting to others
This includes maintaining social connections with friends and family, seeking out professional support, and even doing volunteer work. This can all help reduce stress and maintain wellness. Establishing a rountine meet up with supportive friends also helps with stability and recovery.
6) Enacting a plan
Learn to recognise when a manic or depressive episode is coming on. You could create a crisis plan between you and someone you know about what to do when you become unwell. You could make a list of trusted people to call on for support. Or describe a list of activities that you know help you maintain your wellness.
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23 Mar 2021 08:13 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:13 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Great point @davidharper_bal. That can be a really tricky thing to distinguish @greenpea, that difference between what's just a quirky personality trait versus something that could be a warning sign.
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23 Mar 2021 08:14 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:14 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
@davidharper_bal that is so true I cannot see it when I am in the beginnings of a manic episode or a delusion. When I hear voices it is too late.
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23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Opening to our community, what are your thoughts about these 6 points @SusanaBA has mentioned above, and have any of these played a role in your journey?
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23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Wanting to encourage emotional expression in your children is a great goal, and speaks very well of you as a parent. I think that modelling has a role to play here, as well as direct invitation. Sometimes just being present, without asking anything at all, is a powerful way to encourage sharing. This is never an easy task, and it's always a balancing act.
Do you have any particular concerns that you're worried about in terms of your children?
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23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:15 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
We have various MI presentations on both sides of the family.
Helped me. Not sure whaich state you are in.
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23 Mar 2021 08:19 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:19 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
A journal may be a usful tol for you. There will be common thread that bring on episodes. You just need to learn what they are for you.
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23 Mar 2021 08:19 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:19 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Hi @Appleblossom good to see you hanging in there! What are some of the things you've learned that you would like to share with others?
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23 Mar 2021 08:20 PM
23 Mar 2021 08:20 PM
Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT
Opening to our community, what are your thoughts about these 6 points @SusanaBA has mentioned above, and have any of these played a role in your journey?
@Daisydreamer, @davidharper_bal , @TideisTurning
these are great points @SusanaBA and we have tired to get a balance with them
but the biggest thing is changes and my mr shaz does not like changes and changes happen everyday
this is the one area which is the hardest to overcome everyday
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