Habits That Help People with Bipolar Disorder Bolster Their Well-Being

Every morning Charita Cole Brown, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 21, wakes up around 7:30 a.m. She prays, meditates on Scripture and centers her mind. She journals (which she also does at night). Then, she showers and dresses for the day. Routine is vital for everyone’s well-being, but it’s especially essential for individuals with bipolar disorder. “Research shows that having a ‘rhythm’ to our daily and weekly activities promotes a stable mood,” said Cynthia Last, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating individuals with mood disorders in Boca Raton, Fla. In fact, there’s an entire evidence-based treatment that helps with setting up structures, systems and routines, which is called interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Last suggested scheduling meals at the same times every day, along with other activities, such as: watching a favorite sitcom on Thursday nights, running errands on Saturdays, and attending church on Sundays. This is what Gabe Howard does. Howard, a writer and speaker who has bipolar disorder, works from the time he wakes up (around 7 a.m.) to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After work, he makes dinner. On Sundays, he buys groceries and runs errands. Then from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., he works on the Psych Central podcast and A Bipolar, A Schizophrenic, and a Podcast. Sometimes, his routine shifts because he has a speaking engagement in the evening. “I have trouble keeping order in my brain, so keeping order ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Bipolar Disorders General Habits Mental Health and Wellness Self-Help Sleep Bipolar Disorder Source Type: blogs