November 14, 2019   •   Volume 12, Issue 46
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Maintaining Hope Through Serious Bipolar Depression

While we’re very familiar with Bipolar Depression, there are few scientific studies on the subject that could help lead to more effective treatments.

In fact, in December 2018, an article in the medical journal The Lancet highlighted the urgent need for more research on bipolar depression.

But here’s one truth we don’t need to wait on a lab to verify: We can—and, with enough fortitude, we do—find our way through.

A helpful mantra from author Stephen King: “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”

Though the depression can be relentless, we maintain hope.

“Hope means a lot of different things to different people,” says Murray Enns, MD. “At the same time, mental health consumers and their families all get it—how important hope is.”

After all, this optimism allows us to believe that change is possible. Researchers from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge posit that “the central tenet in recovery is hope—it is the catalyst for change, and the enabler of the other factors involved in recovery to take charge.”

While the amount of research may be meager, there have been studies on bipolar depression that show promise for alleviating symptoms. One, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, involved midday bright light therapy for those stable and on medication. Another, published in the Journal of Mental Health, found that for those hospitalized with bipolar depression, weekly positive psychology exercises and phone calls with a study trainer helped with positive affect and optimism.

When going through a dark period, find the “light” by examining your triggers. Learn what makes you susceptible to mood shifts—free mood chart templates online can be handy—and reach out for support when needed.

Julie Fast, bp columnist and blogger, offers this advice: “Do one thing to remind yourself that being alive is what matters…You, the essence that makes you unique is still in there. Depression is only a mask. It is not who we really are.” Read more >>

Sleep and Time with Pets Helps People Living with Bipolar Disorder

Spending more time with animals and getting more sleep may be secrets to finding stability with bipolar disorder.

Research from Western Sydney University shows that simple self-care strategies, such as spending time with animals and getting enough sleep, are helpful for people managing bipolar disorder symptoms.

The research – published in Clinical Psychologist – involved eighty participants with bipolar disorder reviewing the frequency and perceived helpfulness of 69 self-care strategies. These strategies were diverse, and included things such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol, practicing yoga and finding things that make you laugh. Read more >>

4 Ways to Simplify Your Life

Taking steps to organize your living space and your life will help unclutter your mind, reduce the disharmony in your life, help manage triggers and control symptoms.

1 Create a system. When you take the time at the outset to create a system for what may cause you stress in your everyday life, things just become easier. Even something as simple as organizing your medication will reduce time, stress, and errors. There are pill organizers, electronic reminders or phone apps to alert you when it’s pill time. There are lots of ingenious organizing life hacks on the Internet. Read more >>

The post Hope & Harmony Headlines: How to Navigate Serious Bipolar Depression appeared first on bpHope.com.