What Helps Beverly, 65, With Bipolar II Disorder
Editor's Note
Any medical information included is based on a personal experience. For questions or concerns regarding health, please consult a doctor or medical professional.
With our ongoing “What Helps Me” series, The Mighty is leaning into what sets us apart from other health sites: We aim to provide real health advice from real people who live it.
• What is Bipolar disorder?
In this spirit, we asked our community for the best insights and tips they’ve developed for managing their conditions. As always, they responded with their unique health stories and we are happy to pass along their well-tested resources to you.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Today, we meet Mighty member Beverly. She is 65 years old and lives with bipolar disorder II.
Beverly, what helps you?
THE MIGHTY: What helps you most when your condition affects your physical health?
BEVERLY: Usually, going to bed for a couple of hours helps me. Drinking plenty of water. Taking a warm bath in our jacuzzi tub. Eating healthy food. Doing regular exercise, like stretching and yoga. Talking through my various mood swings and the triggers that cause my symptoms helps too.
What helps you most when your condition affects your mental health?
Talking with my therapist helps me. I also do limited activities so as not to be overwhelmed, and I read self-help books about bipolar disorder.
How do you cope when your normal self-care isn’t working?
I do research online about bipolar disorder II. I also allow my life mate to help me with difficulties I face. I say “no” to outside activities that could cause me anxiety or overwhelm. I also spend time reading the Bible and use my journal to write about various challenges I’m facing.
Thank you to Beverly for her contributions to our community. Did you find this helpful? Add your gratitude in the comments.
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