Treating depression: antidepressants should be used carefully as they can make people go high. It's best to stop them as soon as the depression goes away.
Psychological treatments: these can also help. Methods include:
psycho-education: learning about the condition and how to control it
mood monitoring: you learn to notice when your mood is starting to change
Learn to spot the early warning signs so you can get help early.
Find out as much as you can about bipolar disorder.
Be aware of how stress affects you.
Have at least one person that you can rely on and confide in - someone who can warn you if you think you are not well.
Balance your life and work, leisure, and relationships.
Do things that you enjoy and that give your life meaning.
Don't stop medication suddenly.
You may find it useful to keep a diary to record your daily mood.
You may want to write an ‘advance directive’ with your doctor and family to say how you want to be treated if you become unwell again.
Try to eat a healthy diet and to sleep well.
If you drink alcohol, stick to the safe limits.
Helping someone else
When someone is depressed, it can be difficult to know what to say. They see everything in a negative light. Listen and try to be patient and understanding.
During mania, the person will appear to be happy, energetic and outgoing. But the excitement of any social situations will risk sending their mood even higher and their doing things that are out of character for them. Try to steer them away from parties or heated discussions. Persuade them to get help.
In between mood episodes, find out more about the condition. Go to appointments with them (if they are willing). Make sure you give yourself space and time to recharge your batteries.
For more in-depth information see our main leaflet: Bipolar Disorder
This leaflet reflects the most up-to-date evidence at the time of writing.
Produced by the RCPsych Public Education Editorial Board.