Today we’re gonna talk about: I Have Bipolar: What Now?

Treating Bipolar Disorder isn’t something that you figure out overnight. It’s always evolving as you learn new things about yourself and what works for you. The important thing is to be committed to a plan. I’m going to break this down into six sections so you can take it one step at a time.

Medical Intervention

  • Hospitalization if necessary to stabilize a crisis.
  • Medications to regulate the biological component.

Mental Health Counseling

  • Regular professional support
  • Increased self-awareness
  • Mood monitoring skills
  • Stress management
  • Increased responsibility and acceptance
  • Reduce the length and frequency of episodes, potential hospitalizations, and increases functioning

Support System

  • Be proactive and plan this out prior to crisis or it will be chosen for you
  • Include professionals, family, and community
  • Consider what you need in a crisis, are the people trustworthy, available, what does insurance cover, and what is out of pocket

Spiritual Support

  • This is a vital part of your support system
  • Turning toward God and His word can give you hope, strength, and transformation
  • Gain help with feedback and accountability from pastor’s or mentors who know you and are able to discern the truth, hear God’s voice, and guide you in spiritual growth

Role of the Patient

  • Learn as much as you can about this disorder and how it impacts you personally
  • Take responsibility for managing it through the prior supports I referenced, as well as turning to God for transformation and healing
  • Don’t under-identify or over-identify with the illness; work towards acceptance while preserving your own unique God-given identity
  • Communicate your needs to others; accept help
  • Do your best to remain open to feedback, even if perceptions don’t match your own

Role of Loved Ones

  • Be willing to be a part of the support system
  • Get to know the history and unique markers of bipolar for your loved one
  • Mutually define your role
  • Know your own limitations and set boundaries
  • Model good self-care—you can’t give out of an empty cup
  • Gain permission to give feedback, outside of time of crisis, ask how this could best be received
  • Avoid over-involvement, patronizing attitudes, choose to respect and empower (Eph. 4:1-3)

Maybe you’ve received the diagnosis of bipolar recently. You are probably experiencing a lot of emotions surrounding that news. I know my husband did. There’s often a fear of the unknown, but you’re doing the best thing you can do: getting educated. Here’s the truth: through the ups and downs, there is hope for finding a way through this illness to live a full life.

Scripture:

For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

What questions do you have about bipolar disorder? I’m going to be interviewing my husband next week and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Please subscribe for more videos. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re struggling with mental illness or have a loved one who is.  

See you next time!

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