¿Cómo se trata el trastorno bipolar?

For most people, some combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, and support are helpful for treating bipolar disorder. Some of these are more effective than others for certain people. It may take some time to discover what works for you, but it is worth it.

Cambios en el estilo de vida

Muchos hábitos pueden afectar tu salud mental.. Making sure you get regular sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly can help a lot. Some people benefit from reducing or eliminating the use of caffeine, alcohol, or drugs. Meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices can be helpful as well. Pay attention to simple things, like taking time to take care of yourself, trying activities you enjoy, and spending time with people or environments where you feel supported.

It’s also important to understand what your own manic and depressive episodes look like. That way you can catch yourself and intervene before things spiral out of control.

Terapia

Therapy can be a great way to learn how to manage bipolar disorder, and to talk with someone openly and honestly. Find a therapist who has experience with and knowledge about bipolar disorder, and anything else you might need help with. This could include trauma, addiction, or family issues. Specific types of therapy that can help are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family-focused therapies. Group therapy is also an option.

Medicamentos

Otra opción es tomar medicamentos. Medications designed to treat bipolar disorder are called mood stabilizers, and they do exactly that—stabilize your moods, so that your manic and depressive episodes are reduced or eliminated. Some people with bipolar disorder also take antidepressants or anxiety medications.

Medications affect everyone differently, so not every medication will work well for you, and many of them will have side-effects. You’ll need to work with your doctor to find a medication that works for you. It’s also common to take multiple medications, to target different symptoms or to counteract side-effects.

Apoyo

Es importante contar con el apoyo de los demás.. Esto puede provenir de la familia, los amigos, los profesionales o los grupos de apoyo. Grupos de apoyo están formados por personas con experiencias similares, que se reúnen periódicamente para hablar de sus vivencias. Hablar con personas que están pasando por lo mismo puede hacerte sentir menos solo y más conectado. También crea un espacio en el que las personas pueden compartir lo que les ha funcionado y hablar de sus dificultades con personas que las comprenden.