Our top bipolar disorder tips: 1. Stay sober. 2. Avoid gambling. 3. Find a therapist. 4. Understand the pattern of your bipolar disorder. 5. Get consistent sleep. 6. Know how your symptoms manifest. 7. Talk to your friends about your bipolar depression. 8. Get medication (if you need it). 9. Consume awesome stories. 10. Write. 11. Love. What are your favorite bipolar disorder tips?

"Number one- SOBRIETY!" Me: ah shit.

I’m scared about my bipolar 1 disorder. I feel like I’m in the passenger seat and my life is flying by. I feel really overwhelmed rn. I can’t sleep. I’m new to the diagnosis but it’s something that runs in my family and I just want the people I love to be safe and happy around me.

Some of the things that's kept me functioning is knowing my limits and acknowledging when I need self care. For a very long time, I was really hard on myself that I couldn't "do all the the things everyone else was doing," meaning I didn't feel like I could keep up with all of the activities everyone seemed to be able to do everyday. Now, I treat my disorder for what it is, a health issue, not a fault in my personality or me as a person. So now I take care of myself, like say someone that's diabetic. I get regular sleep, and I get more of it. Some people can function on 6 hours of sleep, I need 8-10, because it's all about removing stressers from the body. Eating right and regularly. Watching my caffeine intake. Exercising... okay I'm still working on that. I joke with people that I need to do all the things everyone should be doing, it's just I have some severe consequences if I don't. This one is the hardest, but taking time for myself and learning to say no. This is similar to Tristan talking about meditating. I need time alone to do my own thing and recharge. I'm also an omnivert, so that might have something to do with it. But one of my major manic triggers is when I don't get my recharge time. Stick too many stressful events close together (even if they're good stress, like fun events), and I reach my threshold and explode. I get a small window before full meltdown, which is usually when I warn my other half to get me the hell out of whatever situation we're in-- it's like feeling a giant wave about to smash right over my head-- and then it's all over. I've learned I have about 3 days max I can handle Vegas before the stimuli becomes too much and I'm overloaded. lol. Bipolars tend to be overgenerous by nature, so learning to say no when friends and loved ones wanted more of me then I could give was hard. Most of my friends are pretty good about accepting and not pushing when I say "I'm not feeling up to it," but I do have those that will keep needling and need a hard reason (ex: "sorry, I have other plans/ need to work/ feeling sick/ etc) before they stop. Learning to not let myself be bullied into doing something I'm just not emotionally able to handle at that moment has been extremely important. Also, my other half has taken up the charge to be my backup when I need it. Having someone close that understands your triggers and your thresholds is super important, so being open and honest about your disorder and your needs with those close to you is a must. I highly recommend getting a copy of 'The Bipolar Handbook' by Wes Burgess. Not only does it give the bipolar reasons behind and vocabulary to discuss their disorder, it's also something that can be shared with those close to them to help them understand what's going on and how they can help. A lot of times those close to people with mental health issues want to help, but they don't know how. I could go on for a while. Pep talks when I don't feel motivated. Helping and connecting with others when I need to get out of my own head. Naps! Finding a vocation that works with my disorder (I'm an indie author), but bottom line is exactly what you both said. Love yourself. Believe you're worthy of love. Acknowledge that some days are going to be easier than others, and it's okay that "your best" changes from day to day. Be kind to yourself.

Staying sober, running regularly, creating art, and reading are things that keep me more grounded. Having plans for what to do if a severe depression or mania hits, and a list of people you can contact for help are other ideas.

Things I do to cope with Bipolar Disorder 1. Not keeping the emotion personal. For ex: let's say I feel troubled because of someone or something, I end up speaking my mind about it. 2. Believe me Bipolar people are very creative. I write up a lot in insta and whatsapp stories. Very soon, I will be starting up a blog. 3. Meditation or Breathing control for minimum 30 minutes. 4. I follow medication prescribed by a very good Doctor. In 2017- 18 I used to consume 10 to 15 pills, all because of a pathetic practitioner. Now I am on 2 medicines. Very soon my doctor will be abrogating one more medicine. 5. Understanding that like me others too have some other flaws. So one should not be very sensitive or catchy. Let go off. Best of luck! you too could cope with this Disorder.

Bipolar depression for me is very dark. I get severe emotional pain which Dr. Shneidman would call psychache. His work is brilliant and his book the Suicidal Mind has helped me so much to realize how to deal with chronic suicidal thoughts. Sometimes I break out of them. But it is difficult. I write a blog to vent my feelings and it has helped tremendously. Music tends to get me out of funks. The worst part if my darkness is planning an attempt. It is my coping mechanism. I've been fortunate to wake up and not feel so low in the morning but night time is hard. Less people around to talk to that understands. No idea if this makes sense but wanted to share my experience

Thanks to everyone who’s shared their experiences. I’m really struggling with brain fog as part of my diagnosis. I just can’t think straight and I get really overwhelmed and feel I can’t cope. And then I get depressed because I feel I can’t solve my problems and everything seems too difficult. I guess I need to do the things that work with a depression. Exercise, eat modest amounts of Mediterranean-style food and sleep well. Living is hard but it would be so much harder if I hadn’t given up alcohol 8 years ago. For us souls with such super sensitive mental states alcohol and recreational drugs are guaranteed to make things worse.

For me bipolar depression is the worst. I feel like I’m pushing everyone away because one moment I’m ok the next I don’t wanna live and I wish they could understand that I can’t control It I can only do my best to maintain it but, growing up in a black house hold if I were to tell my family the issues I face mentally they would call me crazy and maybe I am but again I can’t control it

Sobriety was a huge step in dealing with my mood swings. I still get hypomanic here and there but I am at least aware of it.

I currently am having a mix of mania and depression. Ifeel so out of control, not sleeping, paranoid and hopeless but sometimes get energy and self-confidence boost. I remember going out I don't have a diagnosis and feeling everyone staring me, trying to stay still, having semi-delusions. I feel like this episode will last for a long time.and might end seriously. I have some sane moments, some not so sane. I don't want my family to know, cuz of abuse and fear of being a burden, but I need help.

Please do a video for neurotypical folks who love someone with bipolar depression. It’s tough for him to tell me what helps- often because the discussion happens in a state of urgency. Love you both, thank you for the candid content 🤟

Wow. Can I just say I am gobsmacked and really taken by your words. Thank you for posting this and especially the point about consuming awesome stories, loving yourself and how, like the weather, clouds won't be there forever. You guys rock so keep truckin.

Thanks for all the great tips! Love your channel, and how you have incorporated your love for science-fiction in some of your videos! I have a more specific tip for when someone experiences bipolar rage: Remove yourself temporary from social platforms, since every small thing sets you off and you might end up hurting someone through mean/snide comments and eventually end up hurting yourself. It's hard to implement, because you've got to have that insight, see it coming, and have another part of you that intervenes. What I do is comment I take a break and will come back in a few weeks or months.

Thanks for the positive upbeat super informative video! Refreshingly not depressing at all! Will share for sure.

THANK YOU for this conversation!

Love the "wrap up!!" Thank you both for sharing!!

Journaling, being honest, listening to music, lifting/sports, keeping the mind, body, and soul together is the main thing for me

Great info for a family member and family dynamic! Thanks guys! 😊😊

Thank you for making these videos. I am manic these week. This really is helping me today

Great tips! I think staying sober is one of the biggest things that a Bipolar person can do since they already have trouble with controlling our emotions, alcohol just lets them run rampant and this destroys their relationship with everyone around them

Thank you for directing me to this video. I had seen it before. If I recall, I believe that's when I started tracking my moods using a mood chart as mentioned in the video :). I'd love to find books on Bipolar 2 although that's less talked about and less present. So I have started mentioning my own bipolar 2 on my instagram (which is art only) to share with my art community about it and hopefully maybe make someone feel less alone while I talk of my 'operation stabilisation' as I call it (attempt to regulate my external circadian rythm to help my internal one be less out of whack and steady a bit) 🙌. I have been thinking of blogging to talk about it more extensively but I feel this would be yet another project I start and can't keep up with so we'll see. I think knowing how symptoms show and knowing our triggers is the best way to manage. Learning to spot the different causes of a mood can help to know what can be controlled or not and helps to know what to do. Hormonal fluctuation (personally, it affects me a lot), weather, levels of human interaction, past trauma and external triggers... These can have an impact on their own. When all this happens on top of a mood state, it can be hard to know what's causing what. Paying attention to all possible factors and addressing each one can help reduce some of the mood experienced too. It's a lot of hard work though. :)

Thank you for these videos! Your work is very appreciated.

Great tips and very helpful video - thank you!

Two people in my life was recently diagnosed with bpd. Thanks for the information!

By having a time to be mindful and things and releasing my crying and emotion alone,in my room, thanks for this video Godspeed hope you all the success in this field of mind health

this video helps tremendously. thank you so much for this 🥺🖤

great tips, and congrats on over 2 years sober!

Thanks for sharing!!

This is great Ali! Knowing your patterns and practicing self care is absolutely the recipe for effectively managing bipolar. Love! Looking forward to sharing my upcoming book, which will teach readers how via QR code linked skills videos to practice! Love your show! Thanks.

"I love schmaltz. I'm a 90s kid!" What a great line. Thanks for an informative, helpful and fun episode. I love this show!

My dad suffers from bipolar disorder and has recently gone into a manic state and as a result was hospitalized. I really wish he would follow this advice, but he claims that he doesn't need his meds and that weed is perfectly fine. And those two things are his BIG triggers. When he goes off his meds and starts doing drugs- boom its a recipe for disaster. But nobody can get through to him. I cant help him if he isn't willing to accept the fact that he needs help. It is so draining on me and my family to deal with him every time he gets like this. I love him, but I am tired and am getting to the point where I just wish he was not in my life.

Love and empathise! Even if the world doesn't want you to!! Use the emotional depth for interpersonal understandings. LOVE IS POWER!

Sharing with our fb mental health group. Thanx for making all your informative videos. 💖

Amazing Video. Thanks a lot

I’m completely numb and terrified of medication ! Trying meds put me in another world sometimes !

I jusr recently got diagnosed with bipolar depression from my counselor. I've been watching a lot more material to learn more and see what i can do.

I just got diagnosed with bipolar disorder last week.. The more I felt so down but browsing the internet it makes me feels motivatived that I'm not alone.. headache is too much specially if I will not take my medicine.. Any support group you want to suggest for at times i need someone to talk to or any healing books you want to suggest for reading.. Thank you!

WoW ! So impressive ! Thank you for your video

I am just realizing that I am bipolar and am researching to understand my condition. I’m finding that working to stay present is helpful. Whether it’s music, a movie, KZfaq, a nap. Whatever I feel I should do in the moment I do. (All things safe and sober)

this is amazing!!

Good info! You can avoid the moving light bands on the video by avoiding filming near fluorescent lights. It interacts with the camera’s shutter to get the moving bands of light.

I have a client who is bipolar and we do journaling and he's been doing it long enough to where he does notice how long is Mania episodes are compared to his depressed episodes are very helpful

Thank you sir

Thank u

Medication is a must in keeping an even keel, unfortunate? But true!!!

Lithium and living a fairly scheduled/routine life has brought me consistency. I hate lithium's side effects but I love consistency more so I keep shaking lithium's hand twice a day, every day.

I’m almost one month sober! Been reading, painting, drawing and writing to keep cool and balanced. Looking for community support now.

Have Bipolar Disorder, I recently have been sober for 9 months now. My problem now is dealing with extreme anxious feelings, and negative emotions. I’ve been taking Depakote for six months now. I had to stop drinking alcohol, I was getting super anxious like very intense anxiety, it’s now easy with mood swings, trying to adjust to taking 500 mg to 750 mg now.

him: sobriety me: aight im out hahaha, he's totally right, I just feel called out

I saw your Ted Talk!

thanks so much for your videos! Currently I'm struggling with my medication dosage because it makes me too tired. I'm curious if there are alternative methods to help besides meds? When I lower my meds my moods are unstable and its harder to sleep. On the higher dose of meds I feel flat and like I have no personality anymore

Currently I'm in a depressive episode I guess... Idk.. But I can smile.. I'm not understanding what I'm going through

I have had bipolar 2 for 30 years. I'm only just accepting it and learning about it as I was in denyl

Its sooo Hard to be sober! When i feel bad "have a vodka or 8" it gets better, or i feel good "have a vodka or 9" to cellerbreat (or how its speled) (or how speled is speled) its so insanely dificult!

My aunt has been telling me she thinks I need to see someone for this. I think she may be right after doing more research on it.

I don’t even know how to go about it feel like I’m losing my mind I will wake up in the best mood and just be drained I noticed I get mad way easier stressed like all the time now

All people are sensitive and havé a lot of love to give.

I’m 13 and just found out in bipolar and it’s really hard for me because my brother who physically abused me has it so I feel like I’m like him. I tell people I dont wanna have this mental illness but they say it’s fine and stuff. Idk I have bipolar 2 and I’m trying to find ways to help myself. Sorry I went off track lol but thank you for posting this

Fully agree with music from Nirvana especially Lithium

I don't drink or do drugs as someone suffering with bipolar but I am currently prescribed adderall and it has taken my bipolar 2 and jammed my cycles into over drive. My psychiatrist wants to keep me on it for a other month and idk how this is going to go. Probably should look for a better psychiatrist.

I am strugling to find way when I am in depression period. I like my mania period.

Hey, I was recently diagnosed as bipolar 2 after finishing my nursing school. It was my first episode but maid me lose almost everything. I had to go back home to be treated... I really hope I can get better to go back to Canada.

I have a manic episode every spring

I’m 18 and I’m literally terrified on how my disorder will affect working in the future. Like I want to not live off a check my entire life (I currently am living off a check for my autism) i hope that I’ll figure out how to handle this because one of my biggest dreams in life at the moment is to be consistent.

I'm bipolar type 2 it's all just a lot but I'm trying to keep sane

Hey. Do you have books with characters that are bipolar 2 ? Usually they are bipolar 1 so it is really not the same (Apparently, Bipolar 2 is now no longer a mood disorder and has its own category). I struggle to find stories on BP2 :(

Off my meds and thought my life was doing well? Then I went into a 2 day manic facebook rant that did 2 things: chased some of my closest friends & family to turn their backs & friends that came forward offering hope and let’s hang out and talk. It took me around 13 hours to come to my senses. Went back and read my chants (posts) and it was like some maniac had started a journal. Deleted it all, lost many people and my marriage is touch & go. This Thursday I have a Doctors appointment to get back on Seraquel or something maybe better to avoid this crazy behavior. Also found out thru my cousin that her Mom had bipolar 1 she has a personality disorder. Moral of the story: when U think your okay and U don’t take your meds; chemical imbalance in your brain will flare up!

I self medicated, by using marijuana when I first started with my disability. It helped me out by playing Zelda and conquering levels of both heat and the cold.

What helps with self awareness? When I feel out of control I also feel a natural high, so I don’t see how bad my behavior is. After I come down, I feel shame.

Just thinking about the first one makes me nauseous. I can moderate my drinking, but cold turkey? It doesn't sound logical Update 9 months later: am now 2 months sober. Its hard. I keep a half-empty bottle of gin in my closet

Why wasn't medication mentioned?

Can you ever be cured of it? This cycle of ups mania and crazy low lows is getting to be too much for real. Does it ever go away?

If u have bipolar disorder for a long time I didn’t work for 7 years is that possible to work.

Would you consider quitting marijuana as sobriety? Ive used it for years but despite my beliefs I was told it adds to anxiety. I just started medicine and I’ll start therapy soon, I’ll be watching more episodes soon

What do if your going have a serious life event that is a high stresser

While these are all great tips, bipolar research needs to stop being so limited. Idk I'm bipolar 2 myself, and none of these tips have done jack for me. Just my side though of the spectrum

I'm fifth year medical student, and that has been so difficult with the education and the books! I literally can't study anything.

Can someone help me with this its when sometimes i find myself to be in a good mood or have some fun i suddenly get a wave of thoughts about not deserving to be having a good time and its been going on so long now that i am scared of having fun that i cant allow myself to have any sort of fun or happiness

I cannot connect with family or people in fact l lost 2 friends when l told them l had Bipolar disorder. So l talk to a counselor and made a friend for 2 years now. :)

What about biplar type 2??

I'm bipolar and I have some kind of other thing that my psychiatric don'tknow what it is, i'm very creative, but I can't keep a job, relationship, nothing, my "friends" are my family, like I try everything, I know I can be better but these mental illness is killing my mind, I'm tired asf. And it's interesting that when I was younger, I didn't know I have bd but I felt like the drugs will ruin my life, i knew I was sensitive about drugs, so I never tried the heavy ones, but I am addicted to cigarettes, so it is okay cause it could be worse. And I have anxiety, I am super anxious about like everything, I don't know, like i'm always scared about I don't know why.

How did you cope with your initial bipolar diagnosis?

I’m pretty manic right now. Found out I was bipolar about 3 weeks ago lithium almost stopped my heart and now I’m waiting for new meds. Other than that I’m completely lost and alone and I have no idea what to do. This is so hard

I tend to just f*** up and then feel awful, apologise to people, then f*** up again. Y'know, the classics. I guess I haven't really got a grip on it. Most of the time I just exist. It'd be cool if I could afford therapy. Mostly just try to pretend I don't feel like a failure. I waste my life while others fight for theirs. I don't deserve to live really.

The firat one is to sober .. and im holding a joint while watching it seem i have a long way

I cope by playing music for myself and for others.

I have barely left the house for two years...I will be up for two weeks and sleeping for next two weeks. I'm killing my marriage and on verge of bankruptcy but can't lift myself. I WONT go to psychiatrists or therapist as don't want people rummaging in my head. I do have medication but don't think it helps..........help? 🙁

Q: what are the benefits for tracking your mood in a time format and recording it in a chart? I mean I understand my motivation peaks in the late morning or afternoon... but I loose it because of physical strain from work I'm too discouraged or tired once I get home to do something constructive for my health. I'm struggling to loose fate and worried of becoming diabetic with how much processed sugar I eat daily. Any help or advice is appreciated. Thank you for reading 🙏

I listen to multihour cuts of songs. It sounds weird, but I can mess up my short cycles, which throw off my long cycles because my short cycles are shorter than most songs, and they can't last longer than a song. And if the song is 1, 3, 10 hours long...

This video talks about 11 ways to cope with bipolar disorder. The first way is to be sober. This means avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms. If you are struggling with substance abuse, it is important to seek help from a professional. The second way is to find a therapist who specializes in bipolar disorder. A therapist can help you understand your condition and develop coping mechanisms. The third way is to understand your own patterns of bipolar disorder. This includes identifying your triggers and early warning signs of an episode. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them or develop coping mechanisms for dealing with them. The fourth way is to communicate with your friends and family about your bipolar disorder. Let them know what your symptoms are and how they can support you. Having a strong support system can make a big difference in your recovery. The fifth way is to find resources online and in your community. There are many organizations that offer support and education for people with bipolar disorder. The sixth way is to practice meditation. Meditation can help you to relax and accept your thoughts and feelings. The seventh way is to consume stories about bipolar disorder. This can help you to feel less alone and to better understand your condition. There are many books, movies, and TV shows that deal with bipolar disorder. The eighth way is to write about your experiences. This can be a helpful way to process your emotions and to track your progress. The ninth way is to create things. This could be anything from painting to writing to playing music. Creativity can be a powerful tool for coping with bipolar disorder. The tenth way is to learn to love yourself and others. This is an important part of recovery from any mental illness. The eleventh way is to give back to your community. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and can help you to feel better about yourself. If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, please know that you are not alone. There are many people who understand what you are going through and who can help you. Please reach out for help if you need it. I hope this is helpful!

I am somebody who has to take meds. Of course, I don't recommend pills first, but for some people, it's truly necessary. I started anxiety meds along with bipolar meds, and it's done incredible things. It has really reduced my craving for alcohol, which seems to be helping all around. My mind isn't foggy and I'm much more productive, artistically and around the house. For someone who needs meds, sometimes multiple kinds are necessary and I feel the greatest I have in a long time.

I have bipolar disorder and I’m currently on a career/school path in wine. I wonder if staying sober completely is a necessity or if working in the wine industry is okay.

I suffer with bipolar type 1

I know maybe I am too late. But here my tips how i cope with bipolar disorder. I love to draw, when i have low moods i just draw something and listening to kindfull music. Also i love to create something like LEGO bricks. It's too can help me to get back to the track. Sports is also important. I do exercises at home with some dumbbells. Also i love to walking. You need to find something that you passionate about. And when you have this ups and downs you can just start doing the activity that just good for you.

What if the Bipolar person has no acceptance that he/she is bipolar ? How can you handle them?

When i have an episode i tend to walk off crying amd and yelling.

I do art by coloring and word puzzles to relax my mind

My brother has bipolar and he used to be heavily into gambling, he got help , and now just collects cans, because he knows it's money he cant lose

Thank u so much I’m only 12 and I diagnosed myself. I’m afraid my family won’t believe me.since they only see my energetic side.