One aspect of bipolar disorder that's often overlooked is that of self help. There's a lot one can do for oneself to improve one's symptom profile, even to adjust one's lifestyle to the point that it puts him or her out of the range of being diagnosable. One John's Hopkins doctor and expert on bipolar disorder felt that up to 30% of the symptoms of bipolar could be addressed by attention to diet, nutrition, exercise, cutting out smoking and alcohol, and other positive lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, the media might be an area where some can make adjustments, less intense music, along with less time listening to music, for some. Some who have bipolar disorder, might listen to some pretty intense music on a regular basis. This can effect both mood and the chemical balance of one's mind. Additionally, intense movies and TV can also contribute, as well as the time one spends watching TV. TV is pretty strong bombardment of the mind. So, for those who are very sensitive, or who have had some trauma in life, then doing without all of that can make a positive difference, really limiting, spending more time reading, doing art work, time outdoors, walking, hiking, etc. Walking is a great exercise, because it releases chemicals in the mind which can be naturally stabilizing, and it is a positive effort, helps to balance moods and clear your mind for 30 minutes to an hour a day, and is great for depression also. It helps you to focus. Art helps you to focus and can be a natural mood stabalizer. (also, avoid pornography, it is destabilizing). This is a link that some other ideas: http://www.winmentalhealth.com/self_help_bipolar_disorder.php
And one for general self help in mental health. http://www.winmentalhealth.com/self_help_psychology_16_keys.php
Hope this is helpful to some.
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One aspect of bipolar disorder that's often overlooked is that of self help. There's a lot one can do for oneself to improve one's symptom profile, even to adjust one's lifestyle to the point that it puts him or her out of the range of being diagnosable. One John's Hopkins doctor and expert on bipolar disorder felt that up to 30% of the symptoms of bipolar could be addressed by attention to diet, nutrition, exercise, cutting out smoking and alcohol, and other positive lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, the media might be an area where some can make adjustments, less intense music, along with less time listening to music, for some. Some who have bipolar disorder, might listen to some pretty intense music on a regular basis. This can effect both mood and the chemical balance of one's mind. Additionally, intense movies and TV can also contribute, as well as the time one spends watching TV. TV is pretty strong bombardment of the mind. So, for those who are very sensitive, or who have had some trauma in life, then doing without all of that can make a positive difference, really limiting, spending more time reading, doing art work, time outdoors, walking, hiking, etc. Walking is a great exercise, because it releases chemicals in the mind which can be naturally stabilizing, and it is a positive effort, helps to balance moods and clear your mind for 30 minutes to an hour a day, and is great for depression also. It helps you to focus. Art helps you to focus and can be a natural mood stabalizer. (also, avoid pornography, it is destabilizing). This is a link that some other ideas: http://www.winmentalhealth.com/self_help_bipolar_disorder.php
November 26, 2009 - 3:27pmAnd one for general self help in mental health. http://www.winmentalhealth.com/self_help_psychology_16_keys.php
Hope this is helpful to some.
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