Self-Care Strategies

Some Basic Self-Care Strategies for People Living With Bipolar Illness:

• Establish a relationship of trust with a psychiatrist who is experienced in working with bipolar illness;
• Take your medication as directed by your physician (even at times when you are feeling better -- treatments and their effects are for the long term);
• Eat healthy foods, at regular meal times;
• Get adequate sleep on a regular schedule (because mania or depression can be triggered by poor sleep patterns, immediately contact your doctor to secure assistance if your sleep pattern becomes disrupted);
• Establish a routine of regular exercise;
• Avoid excessive intake of caffeine;
• Don't let yourself become isolated -- seek out support from family and friends (including, of course, the support available to you at the Harbor of Refuge).