HealthInfo Canterbury
Self-care with bipolar disorder
There are many things you can do to help yourself if you have bipolar disorder.
Talk to trusted friends and whānau about your bipolar disorder. This can help them understand and be there for you when you need them.
Talk to your GP or practice nurse about your symptoms and how you're feeling.
Try to stay active to improve both your mental and physical wellbeing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days. Read about ideas for getting more activity into your day.
Look after your physical health. This includes:
- eating well and avoiding too much caffeine from coffee and energy drinks.
- limiting your alcohol intake to safe levels.
- quitting smoking.
- getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can be a trigger for bipolar disorder.
- abstaining from recreational drugs. They can cause mood changes.
Read about medications as treatment for bipolar disorder and discuss this with your GP. You can find out more about the particular medicines you are taking in Medications for mental health issues.
Learn about talking therapy. This aims to teach people about triggers, reduce symptoms, help with recovery, and when to get help. Therapy also aims to reduce stress and distress in families.
Use a free phone service. These services will be able to talk to you about your day-to-day struggles or help you if you have a crisis.
- 1737, need to talk? – Phone 1737 or 0800-1737-1737 or txt 1737 (available 24/7). Trained counsellors who use proven behavioural support techniques.
- Depression Helpline – Phone 0800-111-757 or txt 4202 (available 24/7). Trained counsellors who can talk you through your problems and suggest help in your area.
- Lifeline – Phone 0800-543-354 (available 24/7). Free confidential professional counselling service.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Mental Health Foundation – Bipolar disorder
This page explains what bipolar disorders is, including causes, symptoms and treatment.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
An organisation that focuses on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder.
On the next page: Getting help with bipolar disorder
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2020.
Review key: HIBIP-52193
