According to the National Institute of Mental Health: “Bipolar is a brain disorder causing unusual shifts or cycles in mood, focus, energy, and ability to function. Unlike the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are unpredictable and severe. Untreated these symptoms can wreak havoc in a person’s life resulting in damaged relationships, and poor job or school performance.
While medication to treat the disorder is important, there are also many Bipolars out there who opt to go med free. There is a great debate on what's the right thing to do. On one hand medications may give around 80% relief, but that's left 20% without relief. Medications also come with side effects. Not taking any medication often means that the Bipolar Disorder will worsen with time.
One thing that is not in debate is that the healthier your lifestyle the healthier you will feel. Eating properly, exercising regularly, and keeping on a tight sleeping schedule can create stability in an otherwise unstable life. It's something tangible to hold onto when the going gets rough. As mood shifts from mania to depression it's even more important to keep to a schedule of doing all you can to keep yourself healthy.
Here's an exercise that keeps me going. It strengthens both my mind and body. Doing it on days when you're out of sync can be rough, but if you persevere you will feel better both in body and spirit. For good nutrition ideas, visit Michael's Super Body, Super Brain Blog.
Stay healthy!
About the Author: Cristina C. Fender, 34, is rapidly becoming an expert on Bipolar Disorder. She has been researching Bipolar Disorder and blogging about her own experiences for several years. At age 21 she was diagnosed with depression and saw psychiatrists for over ten years before she was correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. Her vision for writing is to inform and educate the public about mental illness. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Click here to Subscribe in a Reader. Visit Cristina at her other blog, Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar.
© 2009 Cristina C. Fender
