Riding the Bipolar Roller Coaster

In order to prevent a full-blown manic episode, it is essential to be aware of your early warning signs and to take action. The following behaviors and symptoms are commonly mentioned as indicators of impending manic episodes:

• surges of energy


• flight of ideas


• decreased need for sleep


• making lots of plans


• reckless spending


• wanting to keep moving


• euphoria


• heightened creativity


• out of touch with reality


• inappropriate behavior


• dangerous driving


• poor judgement


• friends and family notice behavior change


• increased sociability


• energetic housekeeping


• more sexually active


• thrill seeking


• uncontrollable bursts of laughter


• bizarre thoughts and ideas


• inability to concentrate


• doing several things at once


• feeling very important


• others seem slow


• unusual bursts of enthusiasm

The downward spiral of depression presents subtle early warning signs. By being aware of these signs and taking action early, you may be able to avoid plummeting all the way to the depths of despair.

• inactivity


• excessive sleep


• slow speech


• poor ability to concentrate


• anxiety


• void of emotions


• avoiding people


• not wanting to do anything


• negative attitude


• low energy level


• self-destructive thoughts


• desire to be taken care of


• mind slows down


• boredom


• inability to experience pleasure


• unable to follow regular routine


• changes in appetite


• generalized fear


• thoughts about death and dying


• napping in the middle of the day


• feeling like giving up on life

• avoid alcohol; Bipolar meds are strong enough as they are, and alcohol interferes with how they work


• make sure you get an adequate amount of protein in your diet


• keep taking your meds, even when you're feeling well


• take a daily multi-vitamin and a separate B-complex supplement


• maintain a regular exercise routine, a combination of cardio and strength is best


• keep in touch with family and friends and stay active in your social circle; social ties give you a sense of purpose


• get adequate sleep (I know this is easier said than done); sleeping too little can trigger a manic episode


• control stress: simplify your schedule and prioritize, get organized and make time for relaxation


• attend support group meetings (check out DBSA in the Resources section below)

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI offers support to patients and families via its Peer-to-Peer and Family-to-Family peer-led educational courses.

Peer-to-Peer is a free 10-week course taught by a team of two trained "Mentors" and a volunteer support person who are personally experienced at living well with mental illness, and Family-to-Family is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

DBSA: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. In addition to online support tools, DBSA offers peer-led in-person Support Groups throughout the country where you can share your experiences with Bipolar Disorder with other supporting members.

Facing Us Online Clubhouse

The Facing Us Clubhouse is a program brought to you by The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). If you live with depression or bipolar disorder and are seeking inspiration and support for living a full, healthy and happy life, the Facing Us Clubhouse is your online home for wellness.

The Facing Us Clubhouse offers several tools for managing Bipolar Disorder, including a personal online journal, a wellness book, a multimedia room, e-postcards and important resources that offer additional information about mood disorders.

Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness

A collection of stories from letters, journals, articles, and the forums of the Icarus Project website in 80 pages of art, imagination, and mutual aid. Navigating the Space Between Brilliance and Madness is available for download in pdf format.

Mood Tracker

A really good printable mood tracker by Abilify.com in .pdf format (see page 5 of the document). Track moods, meds and sleep. Print it out monthly, and use the back of the page for notes on specific day events.