Bipolar Disorder is a neurobiological disorder which involves the inability of the brain to regulate mood within a normal range. As the name suggests, bipolar means of two poles,implies that the disorder occurs in a spectrum of moods that range from depression to mania. It is a physical condition of the brain and not caused due to a character flaw or laziness or stubbornness. 

The mania phase implies over-elated mood in which the person may be in an expansive, unstable mood with high energy levels, with irritability, grandiosity, poor judgment, disorganization,and distractibility. The other pole is the depression phase that involves a person to have sleep disturbances, lack of interest, sense of hopelessness and worthlessness. Sometimes, the patient may experience suicidal ideations in this phase. 

One of the most important ways to manage bipolar disorder is by keeping a track of the mood episodes by maintaining a mood chart.

Advantages of Maintaining a Mood Chart

1. Gaining insight into the illness: 

Maintaining a mood chart can give a clear picture to the patient about their mood swings and hence gain some understanding about the dynamics of the illness. This can also help them to see how the manic and depressive episodes function and hence plan out an appropriate intervention for the same.

2. Accurate description & treatment progress and effectiveness:

Dealing with Bipolar Disorder can be confusing owing to the shifts in the episodes. Maintaining a mood chart can provide an accurate description of the phases and changes hence helping the doctor and therapist track the progress of the treatment. 

3. Identifying & Managing the symptoms:

The mood chart helps you to identify the triggering thought and associated mood swing. Once these are identified, appropriate action can be taken to reduce the intensity, frequency and severity of the symptom. This can help to keep the disease in control.

4. Tracking medications:

Tracking medication adherence can be an easier task through the assessment of mood chart. This can help the doctors taper or change the medication depending on the existing mood imbalance.It is very essential to seek mental wellness in the context of experiencing the condition of bipolar disorder. 

Self-empowerment in daily life can help you to take up challenges and be persistent. Through the process of recovery, it is important to gain some clarity on the illness, have hope for a healthy long-term recovery, and stay resilient in your action. Gaining insight into the illness and managing mood can prove very fruitful to those overcoming this disease.