by Tami Port MS

Created on: July 14, 2009

I am a woman who has had bipolar disorder for the past 25+ years, and I also have a degree in psychology. The education gives me a unique perspective, but has not always helped me be a good, compliant patient. Still I have learned a thing or two over the years. If you (or someone you care about) has,or may have, bipolar disorder, her is the short list of 'must-dos':

1.See a mental health care professional.

What Is a Psychiatrist? A psychiatrist is a MD or DO who specializes in mental health. He/she can professionally assess your condition and prescribe medication.

What Is a Psychologist? A psychologist is a PhD in mental health. He/she can provide professional counseling to help you cope with your disorder.

Who Do You See First? You should see one of each, but, I feel that it is best to start with a psychiatrist so that he/she can help you find the right combination of medications to keep your disorder in check. A psychiatrist can also recommend a good psychologist for you to see next.

2. Get on, and stay on, medication for bipolar disorder.

When you are just beginning to recognize that you have manic depressive disorder, it is sometimes difficult to accept, and some people are resistant to the idea of taking medication. If you do have bipolar disorder, you absolutely need to be on medication that will effectively regulate your symptoms. No exceptions.

Why it May Be Difficult to Take Your Meds When You Feel Good: Manic depressive disorder is an insidious, deceptive disorder that can, when you are 'up', make you fell as if you do not need (or want) medication. Moderate 'highs' (hypomania) sometimes feels good. You get a lot don't, have ideas flowing and don't feel that you need as much sleep. However the fun of hypomania can quickly escalate into the nightmare of a true manic episode with racing thoughts, irritability, difficulty concentrating and insomnia (sound familiar?). Don't be fooled by your disorder. Get on and stay on the appropriate medication.

Why it May Be Difficult to Take Your Meds When You Feel Bad: When you are feeling depressed, you may by apathetic about taking meds. You feel so bad that everything is a colossal effort. You may feel like you don't deserve to feel better. Regardless of why, there are many reasons that someone who is profoundly depressed can find to justify not taking the medications that they need to feel better. If you regularly stay on your meds, they can help prevent you from getting to this point. If you are already at this point, take your meds anyway. Make the effort to call your psychiatrist and tell him/her that you are very depressed and having difficulty taking your medication. However you manage it, take your medication as prescribed.

An Ounce of Prevention: It is the consistency of taking you medication that will help even out your swings in mood and will, over the long term, keep you on a more even keel.

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