Living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
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Moodletter provides information, hope and help to people living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and those who care for them.

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Self-help and family support
when anxiety and bipolar disorder occur together
 

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Medication and therapy can help when anxiety and bipolar disorder occur together. What else can help?

  • Join a support group of people with similar needs or experiences. Find one through the Anxiety Disorders Association of America or Depression Bipolar Support Alliance.
  • Exercise regularly. Chemicals released during exercise have a stabilizing effect on mood. Try biking, running, walking or swimming.
  • Get a good night's sleep. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts your mood and physical health and can also be a trigger for manic episodes. Talk to your doctor if insomnia doesn’t get better.
  • Eat right. Avoid refined sugar and products that contain it, and white flour products.  These high carbohydrate foods contain few nutrients and can cause blood sugar to fluctuate, which affects mood. Eat fruits, unprocessed fruit juices, fresh vegetables and whole grains. Caffeine should also be avoided because it is a stimulant and can trigger panic attacks.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can aggravate anxiety, trigger panic attacks and make mood episodes worse.

Family support is an important part of the recovery process for both anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder Here’s how family members can help:

  • Learn about the disorders.
  • Recognize and praise small accomplishments.
  • Modify expectations during stressful periods.
  • Be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine.
  • Keep track of symptoms and help your loved one be consistent with their treatment plan.
  • Make a clear plan for emergency situations should symptoms become severe or hospitalization becomes necessary.

 

 

Smiling coupleFamily members should also keep in mind that the recovery process is stressful for them as well. They should build a support network of relatives, friends and, when necessary, therapists for themselves. Remember that with proper treatment by a mental health professional, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder can be overcome.

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Excerpted and adapted with permission from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Page updated September 1, 2008