Bipolar Disorder has its ups and downs. Actually, that is the definition of the disorder. Clinically speaking, it is a disorder of the Hippocampus in the brain, which is the center of our wake/sleep cycle. The Hippocampus impacts the body by releasing adrenaline into the system. When the valve opens, it bathes the body with adrenaline and perks us up, however, this valve may stay open too long in those with Bipolar causing lots of energy, and ideas, and often people will do impulsive things. At the extreme, the mania that results can cause people to hear voices and have visual hallucinations. Then, suddenly the valve shuts down causing depression, excess sleep, and feelings of worthlessness. Whether people are rapid cycling or it is taking place on a weekly or monthly basis, the situation can disrupt work, school, relationships, and one’s sense of well-being. Medication is standard for the treatment of Bipolar, but there are a few things you can do to make Bipolar a bit more manageable.

1. Physical Level

Diet and exercise seem to go hand in hand with the treatment of Bipolar. Avoiding substance use is a key. Often people will “Self Medicate” and try to use unconventional treatments. The problem with self-medicating is the possibility of making the situation worse. The Psychiatrist I worked with for ten years always said, “You never know what you are getting on the street, and the dosage of medication is strictly enforced with the pharmaceuticals.

When the body is down, with no energy, a good diet, and supplements can provide the body with the nutrients it needs to perk back up. When the body is manic, exercise – but not overly intensive exercise – can rid the body of the excess energy.

2. Mind Set

There can be a euphoria to Bipolar. People can get addicted to the high highs of it, however, it is not uncommon for this euphoria to get out of hand and disrupt a person’s life. Coming to peace with your Bipolar is important. If you beat yourself up for having it and fight the symptoms, you are only at war with yourself. Make the symptoms okay, because at this time your brain needs to do what it is doing. Next, pause, take in a breath, and go slowly and deliberately during each manic phase. Reminding yourself you are balanced, safe, and stable can minimize the war from within. Write out all unnecessary thoughts and rip them up. Late at night, when the mania makes it difficult to sleep, journal writing, nature sounds, relaxation techniques, and visualizations of a wonderful place in nature can be beneficial.

Intention setting – or simply giving yourself a goal to achieve can help. For example – “My intention is to relax, get incredible sleep, and wake up ready to take on the day.”

3. Emotional Work

The language of the emotions is interesting to understand because it is not logical. In a sense, it is befriending parts of yourself. Emotionally, the key is befriending Bipolar. Talk with it, go for a long walk with it, and listen to what it needs. Befriending Bipolar? Yes, that’s the key. Look at things this way – your brain is still your brain, regardless of how it is working. Now, you can either hate it or not. As you hate yourself it only breaks you down. Thank your brain for doing what it does. Ask it to turn down the juice and be more at peace, then listen to the brain’s response.

Opposite hand writing works best. On paper have a conversation with Bipolar or the Hippocampus of the brain. Your dominant hand is you, the opposite hand is the ailment. Now, when love is applied to hurt we heal. This is the model of Spiritual Psychology. Try to be as loving as you can to Bipolar.

Let’s face it, Bipolar can also be an ally. There are positives to Bipolar and it is important to appreciate the good things Bipolar can do. In fact, many important people throughout history had the disorder. One being Thomas Edison who invented this modern era, when you think about it. The movie projector, records, the battery – all came from him. Bipolar can help a person look at life from a different perspective. Also, Bipolar isn’t something to be ashamed of because on some level everyone has it. Learning how to manage it when it is at the extreme is the key.