Top 10 Tips:

1. Make a decision to be well. Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenge. You need to identify what your motivations are. Why do you want to be well?

2. Develop a support system. When you are feeling suicidal, who are you going to call for help? When you need someone to talk to, where are you going to go? Most cities have depression & bipolar support groups. Family and friends are part of your support system. If you have a therapist and psychiatrist, they are also in your support network. Take time to think about your support system. This is your safety net. In the middle of a crisis is not the time to realize that you never took time to develop a support system. 

3. Stress Management! Stress can trigger episodes. Having a depressive episode is not because something is wrong, it's because EVERYTHING is wrong! And that's stress talking. Relaxation techniques can be as simple as lying down while listening to classical music. Pay attention to your breathing. Starting at your head and working down to your feet, progressively tense and relax every muscle. Do your best to keep stress at a manageable level.

4. Structure. Getting adequate sleep at night and waking at approximately the same time everyday can be helpful. Have a routine for eating, sleeping, and working.

5. Creative Outlets. Many people with bipolar disorder are extremely creative. Take time to use these creative talents.

6. Medication...even when you feel better! Yes, we with bipolar disorder are notorious for going off our medication when we are between episodes. And even though I am as guilty of this as the next person, it really is absurd. If you have diabetes, you wouldn't say to yourself, "Well, I'm not in a coma, so I think I'll skip the insulin today."

7. Educate yourself and others about bipolar disorder.

8. Set goals for yourself and your family. Work towards making some positive changes.

9. If a particular time of year is expecially difficult for you, give yourself something to look forward to during that time. Plan a vacation for that difficult time. It will be something positive on which to focus your attention.

10. Make an agreement with yourself right now that you will never, ever hurt yourself no matter what thoughts go through your mind. Identify your reasons not to hurt yourself. Make the decision now, while you are not in a crisis, that you will never give yourself that option.