Bipolar Disorder: 10 Alternative Treatments

Some natural remedies may help provide relief from bipolar disorder symptoms when used with traditional treatments.

Some people with bipolar disorder have reported that using alternative treatments provides relief from symptoms. Scientific evidence supports many of the benefits in treating depression, but the effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder requires more research.

Always check with a doctor before starting any alternative treatments. Supplements and therapies may interact with your medication and cause unintended side effects.

Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace traditional treatments or medications. Some people have reported feeling increased benefits when combining the two.

Fish oil and fish are common sources of two of the three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

These fatty acids may affect the chemicals in your brain associated with mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder seems less common in countries where people consume fish and fish oil. People with depression also tend to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. Omega-3 fatty acids may help:

• reduce irritability and aggression
• maintain mood stability
• reduce depression symptoms
• improve brain function

You can take fish oil supplements or consume more fish, such as salmon, to help reach this amount. However, fish oil supplements may have side effects that include:

• nausea
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• bloating
• belching
• diarrhea

Not all researchers agree that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. According to a review published in 2019, it may not have an effect on people with bipolar disorder. However, it is unlikely to cause harm if people with bipolar disorder increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids as long as they still take other prescribed medications.

Rhodiola rosea (arctic root or golden root) may help treat mild to moderate depression. R. rosea is a mild stimulant and may cause some side effects, including:

• insomnia
• vivid dreaming
• nausea

Talk with a doctor before taking R. rosea, especially if you are taking other medications for mood disorders, as it can cause drug interactions.

Some people believe that the supplement form of a substance that naturally occurs in the body, S-adenosylmethionine, may be beneficial for depression. This amino acid supplement may also be effective for bipolar disorder under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

But some dosages of these supplements can cause serious side effects, such as triggering manic episodes. S-adenosylmethionine may also interact with medications you may be taking. As a result, this supplement may not be safe or recommended for people with bipolar disorder. Talk with a doctor before taking this supplement.

This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2,000 to 2,400 milligrams (mg) of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder. A 2014 review of older studies suggests that choline supplements (in addition to other treatments) may improve symptoms of mania. But the review’s author notes that additional research is needed.

Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with mood disorders, particularly in people using lithium therapy. A 2021 review of research suggests that a dosage of up to 6 grams per day of inositols may reduce the side effects of lithium therapy without affecting its positive role on mood.

Though people commonly use this herb to treat depression, the effectiveness of St. John’s wort for mood disorders is mixed. One problem seems to be that the forms and dosages of St. John’s wort used have not been the same among studies.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that it may increase psychotic episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It can also weaken the effectiveness of certain medications.

Stress can complicate bipolar disorder. Several alternative therapies aim to reduce anxiety and stress in addition to doctor-prescribed treatment. These therapies can include:

• massage therapy
• yoga
• acupuncture
• meditation

Calming techniques cannot cure bipolar disorder. But they may help you manage your symptoms as a valuable part of your treatment plan.

Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy. It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:

• manage stressful life events
• maintain a routine
• adopt good sleep habits
• learn how to solve problems that interrupt their routine

IPSRT, in addition to prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, may help to reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes you have.

Although lifestyle measures won’t treat bipolar disorder, certain practices may enhance your treatment and help to stabilize your mood. These can include:

• getting regular exercise
• getting adequate sleep, typically between 7 and 8 hours
• eating a wide variety of nutritious foods

Regular exercise

Exercise can also help stabilize moods. It can also help ease depression and increase sleep.

Adequate sleep

Adequate sleep can help stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Tips to improve sleep can include:

• establishing a routine
• creating a calm bedroom environment
• limiting screen use before bed

Nutritious foods

Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is good. However, consider reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, which may cause brain chemical imbalances.

Research indicates that alternative treatments may be helpful for bipolar disorder when they are used with traditional treatments. However, very little research about these treatments has been done. Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace your current treatment or medication for bipolar disorder.

Always talk with a doctor before starting an alternative treatment. Certain supplements may cause side effects with any medications you may be taking or may affect other conditions that you have.

Bipolar Disorder: 10 Alternative Treatments

Some natural remedies may help provide relief from bipolar disorder symptoms when used with traditional treatments.

Some people with bipolar disorder have reported that using alternative treatments provides relief from symptoms. Scientific evidence supports many of the benefits in treating depression, but the effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder requires more research.

Always check with a doctor before starting any alternative treatments. Supplements and therapies may interact with your medication and cause unintended side effects.

Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace traditional treatments or medications. Some people have reported feeling increased benefits when combining the two.

Fish oil and fish are common sources of two of the three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

These fatty acids may affect the chemicals in your brain associated with mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder seems less common in countries where people consume fish and fish oil. People with depression also tend to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. Omega-3 fatty acids may help:

• reduce irritability and aggression
• maintain mood stability
• reduce depression symptoms
• improve brain function

You can take fish oil supplements or consume more fish, such as salmon, to help reach this amount. However, fish oil supplements may have side effects that include:

• nausea
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• bloating
• belching
• diarrhea

Not all researchers agree that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. According to a review published in 2019, it may not have an effect on people with bipolar disorder. However, it is unlikely to cause harm if people with bipolar disorder increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids as long as they still take other prescribed medications.

Rhodiola rosea (arctic root or golden root) may help treat mild to moderate depression. R. rosea is a mild stimulant and may cause some side effects, including:

• insomnia
• vivid dreaming
• nausea

Talk with a doctor before taking R. rosea, especially if you are taking other medications for mood disorders, as it can cause drug interactions.

Some people believe that the supplement form of a substance that naturally occurs in the body, S-adenosylmethionine, may be beneficial for depression. This amino acid supplement may also be effective for bipolar disorder under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

But some dosages of these supplements can cause serious side effects, such as triggering manic episodes. S-adenosylmethionine may also interact with medications you may be taking. As a result, this supplement may not be safe or recommended for people with bipolar disorder. Talk with a doctor before taking this supplement.

This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2,000 to 2,400 milligrams (mg) of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder. A 2014 review of older studies suggests that choline supplements (in addition to other treatments) may improve symptoms of mania. But the review’s author notes that additional research is needed.

Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with mood disorders, particularly in people using lithium therapy. A 2021 review of research suggests that a dosage of up to 6 grams per day of inositols may reduce the side effects of lithium therapy without affecting its positive role on mood.

Though people commonly use this herb to treat depression, the effectiveness of St. John’s wort for mood disorders is mixed. One problem seems to be that the forms and dosages of St. John’s wort used have not been the same among studies.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that it may increase psychotic episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It can also weaken the effectiveness of certain medications.

Stress can complicate bipolar disorder. Several alternative therapies aim to reduce anxiety and stress in addition to doctor-prescribed treatment. These therapies can include:

• massage therapy
• yoga
• acupuncture
• meditation

Calming techniques cannot cure bipolar disorder. But they may help you manage your symptoms as a valuable part of your treatment plan.

Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy. It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:

• manage stressful life events
• maintain a routine
• adopt good sleep habits
• learn how to solve problems that interrupt their routine

IPSRT, in addition to prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, may help to reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes you have.

Although lifestyle measures won’t treat bipolar disorder, certain practices may enhance your treatment and help to stabilize your mood. These can include:

• getting regular exercise
• getting adequate sleep, typically between 7 and 8 hours
• eating a wide variety of nutritious foods

Regular exercise

Exercise can also help stabilize moods. It can also help ease depression and increase sleep.

Adequate sleep

Adequate sleep can help stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Tips to improve sleep can include:

• establishing a routine
• creating a calm bedroom environment
• limiting screen use before bed

Nutritious foods

Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is good. However, consider reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, which may cause brain chemical imbalances.

Research indicates that alternative treatments may be helpful for bipolar disorder when they are used with traditional treatments. However, very little research about these treatments has been done. Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace your current treatment or medication for bipolar disorder.

Always talk with a doctor before starting an alternative treatment. Certain supplements may cause side effects with any medications you may be taking or may affect other conditions that you have.

90,000 spend all the money and dry on drugs: how people with bipolar disorder live – September 26, 2018

We talk about Rostovites who have found a bar

org/Person”> photos: Anna Rybakova

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at lifting moments, they can take a mortgage or credit, spend all the money, get hooked on drugs, wash the floors in the whole entrance and roll some more mountains. And during the recession, they are not even able to get out of bed. We decided to look at bipolar affective disorder through the eyes of those who have it. The names of some heroes have been changed at their request.

In Russia, according to various sources, 2.3-4.5% of the population suffer from bipolar disorder. This is almost 6.5 million people, and this is six times the population of Rostov. People with bipolar disorder go through periods of depression and mania. Between themselves, such periods are separated by light intervals, periods of improvement.

— The main cause of the disorder is heredity. Stress can only provoke it. By the way, the external environment can also act as a kind of trigger mechanism. The causes of BAD can be psychological and not only psychological trauma. For example, a drug overdose or a traumatic brain injury,” said psychiatrist Anna Myslivtseva.

According to the specialist, bipolar disorder does not have a special attachment to certain social groups. It arises both after stressful situations, and without obvious prerequisites, from scratch. Interestingly, men are more likely to suffer from it than women.

I learned about my diagnosis from a psychiatrist two years ago. Relatives reacted with support and understanding. They call, give gifts, come up with requests and tasks. I’m not sure what I need, but I feel care and participation.

BAD is often confused with a split personality. It’s hard for me to explain the difference. This disorder alternates between depression, remission, and mania. In the depressive phase, it is difficult to do even the simplest things. There is no desire to move, leave the house, talk. I want to eat and sleep. As a result, I get very fat – 10 kilograms.

In mania, everyone likes me. This state is usually perceived as my natural state. During such periods, life is beautiful and amazing. I hang out and travel. I can sleep only 3-4 hours a day, wash the floors at night not only at home, but also in the stairwell. I make new acquaintances, spend money left and right, take loans. The last time I almost got a mortgage. I feel like a superman.

Such emotional swings do not make me feel stable and stable. I no longer make long term plans. BAD shattered my confidence in myself.

The number of people with bipolar disorder in Russia is six times greater than the population of Rostov

Photo: Evgenia Bikunova (infographics)

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I’ve been a freelancer for three years now. Because of the disorder, long-term projects suffer, professional reputation deteriorates. I do not tell my employer and colleagues about the diagnosis.

I have tried psychotherapy and various medications. I do not consider my experience of treatment successful. A bunch of money down the drain! I am treated by one specialist, then by another. For about a year I tried to cope with folk remedies. I even drank St. John’s wort and other herbs. So far, my arsenal of drugs was not only electric shock and lithium. I try to keep a daily routine and periodically consult with doctors.

BAD most often manifests itself during depression. In general, the signs of the disorder at this time look like this:

1. Lethargy and apathy.
2. Weakness, almost complete absence of movement.
3. Anxiety and agitation.

During the manic phase, the symptoms are as follows:

1. Increased mood up to euphoria.
2. Hyperbulia, that is, the appearance of a large number of different drives, the desire to perform useless actions.
3. Acceleration of the pace of thinking.
4. Increased self-esteem.

– It is very difficult to recognize mania – it is weakly expressed, others do not notice it. Patients themselves do not consider such periods painful. At the same time, the detection of hypomania can often be a good help in treatment, Myslivtseva specified.

I had suspected before that my condition was not normal. But I only found out about the diagnosis last winter. Previously, sharp mood swings were attributed to a transitional age. One day I just could not get up and go to school. A thought popped into my head: meaning? As a result, I was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder type 1.

At first, the treatment only made Alina feel worse. Imagine that you rise to the peak called “happiness”, and in a moment you fall into the abyss called “depression”, And this is repeated several times a week, a day, an hour.

I called the psychologist only when the thought “it would be easier for everyone without you” arose. I was in the clinic for a month. The medication only made things worse. Mom came to visit and cried. She had never seen me so depressed and lifeless. She insisted on a change of specialists. After that, the medicines began to help, I stopped constantly wanting to sleep, the apathy disappeared.

All my relatives know about my illness. Many were surprised, because for them I am the most cheerful person. In social networks I try to talk more about mental health. It’s crazy that my favorite artists Kid Cudi and Kanye West are talking about it through their creativity.

I completed my first year in advertising and public relations. Learned not to let disease take over my goals. I believe that the second course will be much more productive. I manage on my own, I don’t take pills, I don’t go to a psychologist. I have set many great goals. This is what keeps me from falling again.

The girl does not let the disorder destroy her goals and plans

Photo: Alina Igoshina/Vk.com

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The earlier a person is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the easier and more effective treatment will be. Therefore, parents should be attentive to the psychological health of their children.

If you think that your child has a problem, then:

1. Talk to him, find out the reason for his condition and behavior.
2. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, get tested.
3. Enroll in a psychotherapy course to learn how to deal with stress.
4. Support your child – the attention of loved ones is important to him.
5. If he expresses thoughts of suicide, then a visit to the doctor is necessary. In addition, sharp objects, alcohol and medicines should be hidden in the house.

How to understand that a person has bipolar disorder

Photo: Evgenia Bikunova

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I have a degree in psychology. I first heard about BAD at the age of 15 from a psychiatrist, to whom my mother took me. Then I did not attach any importance to this, I was angry. Later he became a psychologist. At the university, a teacher of psychiatry confirmed the diagnosis. Yes, I’ve begun to understand it myself. At the age of 20, he ended up in a psychiatric hospital for a month and received an official discharge there. Relatives were delighted that it was not schizophrenia.

I have more manic periods. During them fun, I want to walk, walk a lot. In this state, I spend all my money, take loans that I can not repay. Pure depression happens 1-2 months every couple of years. In this state, it is difficult to even get out of bed, going to the store becomes a problem – the thought of going outside is frightening.

When I tell people about my disorder, they react normally. Sometimes they say: “You are smart and adequate, you would never have thought.”

I was treated twice in a psychiatric hospital. This is a different story. All my things were taken away from me. Dressed in some kind of robe. At that time I was very afraid of water, and they poured water from a bucket on my head.

At first it was impossible to use even a pen and a pencil. I was lying in a ward with people who were yelling day and night while mating. A little later, they were transferred to a “quiet ward”. It was already possible to draw and write there. There were mostly my peers – guys 18-28 years old. Conditions are horrendous. For example, a toilet with a door that cannot be closed. There were three toilet bowls without partitions in a row.

Now I am seeing a psychiatrist in my clinic, taking antidepressants. I try not to be in the sun for a long time, I do not smoke, I began to drink less coffee and alcohol.

Relatives do not help in any way. Some of them deny my diagnosis. They think that I came up with it myself and should stop “doing stupid things.” They say that depression is just laziness.

Tigran has cyclothymia. It used to be called BAR-2

Photo: Tigran Tumasov/Vk. com

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I was 21 years old. It was then that I felt that I was at the limit of my abilities. It became more and more difficult to work. I could lie at home and stare at a point for weeks. I stopped eating and my stomach gave out. The body failed.

It turned out that I have cyclothymia. Previously, it was considered BAR-2, but now it has been moved to a separate disorder. It manifests itself in the form of depressive episodes and hypomania. You are either sad for no reason, or you are bursting with joy.

I tell everyone about cyclothymia, even taxi drivers. People react calmly. I like to promote the culture of visiting psychiatrists, psychotherapists and psychologists. As a result, several acquaintances turned to doctors and discovered that they had disorders.

Diagnosis interferes with productive work. Although because of him I never had to give up anything. Is that only from gatherings in the bar. Now I work as a web programmer, I manage a team of developers. At work, they always meet me halfway. My colleagues and employer are my friends. They know about the disorder.

I recently realized that I have been ill for a long time – it feels like 5-6 years. I only found out this year. There are people who were diagnosed at the age of 45. Only after the start of taking the pills did they finally begin to live. In most of these people, the disorder has become chronic. This means that they will have to sit on medications for the rest of their lives.

The main thing is to support and show attention

Photo: Evgenia Bikunova

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Relatives do not help. I try to solve problems myself. I just turned to a psychiatrist who prescribed a course of treatment for me. My advice: be attentive to yourself, visit doctors and do not be shy that your loved ones will not understand. Life cannot consist only of good things – without bad things it will be incomplete.

Cyclothymia: how it differs from bipolar disorder and how to treat it

Likbez

Health

March 23, 2021

If periods of excitement are replaced by depression, this is a reason to be wary.

What is cyclothymia

Cyclothymia (from the Greek words “cycle” and “thymia” – soul) is a mental disorder in which a person’s mood changes at least once every few weeks. He experiences either extreme apathy, melancholy, sadness, then euphoria, cheerfulness, a desire to move mountains. And there is practically no balanced middle, an island of calm, when everything around would not be painted in unambiguously black or exceptionally light colors, there is practically no such violation in the life of a person.

Where cyclothymia comes from

The cause of the disorder is not known. The researchers suggest that cyclothymia may be genetic and inherited, just as it happens with a tendency to develop depression or bipolar disorder.

In some cases, cyclothymia is triggered by stressful situations, such as unrequited love, illness, or the death of a loved one. Chronic stress can also play a role.

Most often, cyclothymia begins in adolescence. At first, they do not notice it, confusing it with the usual teenage imbalance. However, over the years, the symptoms can become more severe and destructive.

How cyclothymia differs from bipolar disorder

There is indeed a lot in common between the two. So much so that cyclothymic disorder is considered to be a mild form of bipolar disorder. And this apparent ease of the condition is a problem, because it makes diagnosis very difficult.

How bipolar disorder manifests itself

Bipolar, or manic-depressive psychosis, has severe symptoms. That is, tangible mood swings from a conditional minimum (depression) to a maximum (mania).

Typically, bipolar disorder is a combination of four conditions: episodes of moderate and severe depression, and mania and hypomania.

These episodes can last for weeks or months. And when it comes to depression, even for years. But nevertheless, the transition from one mood to another is so abrupt that it is impossible to miss.

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania show the same symptoms. It’s just that the first one is more pronounced and harder: it causes more noticeable problems at work, in school, in relationships.

To diagnose a manic or hypomanic episode, at least three signs are sufficient:

• an exaggerated sense of well-being, happiness;
• increased energy;
• excited state – a person seems to be quick-tempered, irritable, easily and very actively lights up with new ideas;
• overly optimistic view of the world;
• decreased need for sleep;
• unusual talkativeness;
• quick, confused thoughts;
• trouble concentrating;
• inability to appreciate the consequences of one’s actions, propensity for risky behavior – excessive spending, casual sex, episodes of dangerous driving.

Severe and moderate depression

Depressive episodes also have the same symptoms. A major depressive episode, characteristic of bipolar disorder, is diagnosed if these symptoms are very pronounced and there are at least five of them:

• Constantly depressed mood. Sadness, a feeling of emptiness and hopelessness.
• Marked loss of motivation and interest in anything, including favorite activities and hobbies. And if a person still continues his usual activity, it does not bring him pleasure and is performed automatically.
• Weight fluctuations. They occur due to the fact that in a depressed state, a person begins to eat less or more than usual.
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness during the day.
• Anxiety, anxiety or, on the contrary, complete apathy.
• Constant fatigue.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Inability to plan and make decisions.
• Suicidal thoughts.

How cyclothymia manifests itself

Unlike bipolar disorder, cyclothymia is a blurred condition. Emotional ups and downs in this disorder are not so serious: only hypomania and mild depression are present. So people who suffer from mood swings often assume that they are fine and do not seek help.

Due to the mildness, smoothness of manic and depressive episodes, cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Although it should.

Why is cyclothymia dangerous? A person becomes easily excitable, nervous, cannot predict how he will behave in a given situation.

Such unpredictability seriously affects personal and work relationships, does not allow starting a family, interferes with a career, pushes to rash actions.

All this makes cyclothymia not a relatively harmless emotionality, but a full-fledged mental disorder, which is included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

But the decline in the quality of life is not the only problem. Over time, cyclothymia often develops into anxiety or bipolar disorder.

How cyclothymia is diagnosed

Mood swings happen to everyone, and they do not always indicate a mental disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic criteria, certain conditions must be met to make a diagnosis of cyclothymia. Here is how experts from the American Mayo Clinic describe them.

• A person regularly has periods of depression, when everything is bad, everything falls out of hand, he is not interested in anything, he does not want anything, followed by periods of energy, excitement, a feeling of happiness. Then the attack of melancholy and apathy is repeated. And so in a circle.
• Similar mood swings have been going on for at least two years.
• During a two-year period, at least half of the time a person spends either in apathy or in a state similar to euphoria.
• A person either cannot remember periods without excitement or depression at all, or they last for a short time – no longer than a couple of months.
• Symptoms are not related to substance use or any diagnosed medical condition.

What to do if you suspect cyclothymia

Unfortunately, this disorder does not go away on its own. Therefore, it is important to seek help before cyclothymia develops into bipolar disorder.

You should talk about your condition with a therapist or, better, with a psychotherapist. The doctor will help to understand whether the symptoms are a sign of a mental disorder or whether it is still a natural emotionality associated with fatigue and other life circumstances.

If you think a loved one has symptoms of cyclothymia, try to have a sincere conversation with them. You cannot force someone to seek professional help, but you can offer support and help find a qualified doctor.

How cyclothymia is treated

The point of treatment is:

1. Stop the development of cyclothymia so that it does not develop into bipolar disorder.
2. Reduce mood swings.
3. Prevent the patient from falling back into depression or into unproductive euphoria.

As a rule, in order to achieve these goals, doctors suggest acting like this.

Undertake psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proved to be the best. It makes it possible to understand exactly what events, experiences cause sharp mood swings. Knowing this, a person will be able to avoid triggers, and if it is not possible to completely avoid them, then it is better to control yourself. A psychotherapist will also teach you how to deal with stress.

Establish and maintain a daily routine

For people with mood disorders, it can act as an anchor to help them stay calm and balanced.

The schedule will clearly define what time to wake up, when to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, what time to take for walks and exercise, when to go to bed. It is important to strictly follow the routine until it becomes a healthy habit.

Take prescribed medicines

There is no magic pill for cyclothymia.