Bipolar disorder is not a condition that you can tackle on your own. You need the help and support of a lot of people -- your family, your friends, and especially your health care providers.

Medical Care

Medication is almost always prescribed for people with bipolar disorder. So your first step is to seek out a health care provider who has expertise in treating bipolar disorder. In most cases, this would be a psychiatrist.

Find someone whom you like and trust. Since you'll be seeing a lot of each other -- at least at first -- it's important to have a good working partnership. If you don't feel comfortable around your doctor, you might not be open about symptoms or side effects or symptoms.

Don't be a passive patient. Taking an active role helps in your recovery. So before an appointment, read about bipolar disorder and its treatment. Go in with questions.

Some people are hesitant to go to a doctor because they're afraid of being forced to take medication. That won't happen; your doctor won't make you do anything. He or she will advise you, and you make the decision about bipolar disorder treatment.

So make an appointment to at least talk about your bipolar disorder treatment options. Delaying isn't a good idea. We know that bipolar disorder is likely to get worse the longer you put off treatment.

Talk Therapy

On its own, talk therapy with a therapist isn't enough to control bipolar disorder, especially during episodes of mania or depression. But along with bipolar medication, it can play a key role in your recovery and ongoing treatment. The effects of bipolar disorder go well beyond the direct symptoms of a mood episode. A therapist can help you:

• Work on your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
• Reduce stress
• Resolve problems at school or work
• Stick to your bipolar treatment and live a healthy life
• See your situation from a new perspective
• Learn ways to talk to other people about your bipolar disorder
• Identify and avoid situations that may trigger a manic or depressive episode
• Make a plan for what to do if you become depressed or manic
• Combat stigma

In addition to personal therapy for bipolar disorder, it might be helpful to try couple's counseling or family therapy, depending on your situation.

You should find a qualified therapist -- usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, or counselor -- preferably one who specializes in working with people who have bipolar disorder. Ask your health care provider for recommendations. Or get in touch with an organization like NAMI, The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness, or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Support Groups

Bipolar disorder is a condition that can make you feel isolated. Friends and family members just may not understand what you're going through. They may be more critical than supportive.

That's one reason to think about joining a support group. Meeting people who are in your position -- coping with the same bipolar disorder symptoms, frustrations, and fears -- can help you feel better. Other people who have bipolar disorder might also have good suggestions for living with the condition, such as ways to avoid side effects or confront stigma.

If you're interested in joining a support group, ask your health care provider about organizations in the area, or contact NAMI or the DBSA.

Alternative Therapies

No kind of alternative therapy, like an herb, supplement, or mind-body technique, has been shown to help with bipolar disorder. If you're interested in trying one, talk to your health care provider. Certainly, there's no harm in trying unproven approaches like massage or meditation that don't have any risks.

But be cautious with other treatments, such as herbal remedies or supplements. Some can interact with medications you take. Never start taking an herb or supplement without your health care provider's approval.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

VitaDocs Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

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