How to Use Breathing to Treat Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to treat as it includes two contradictory parts, mania and depression. Breathing is very helpful to treat the manic side of the disorder.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. You need to spend at least five minutes a day practicing so this becomes more an instinctual as time goes on. Clear five minutes a day for this, preferably when you first wake up or are getting ready to go to bed, or both.

2. In order for this exercise to be effective, you must know when you are going through a manic episode. A good medical professional can help you learn what to look for.

3. Find a comfortable place to site quietly for at least five minutes. Be sure you let any roommates or significant others know that you will need to be undisturbed at this time. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

4. Breathe in deeply, allowing your stomach to expand. This is also called belly breathing.

5. Breathe out so that your stomach is shrinking.

6. Count how long you can breathe in and how long it takes you to exhale. Try to increase by one count each breath.

7. Repeat as often as necessary. When you feel yourself in manic mode, return to your quiet place and breathe as long it takes to help calm you down.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes when manic, this exercise may seem impossible. Find a trusted friend who understands what you're going through. Call them and get them to walk you through it.
• Don't get frustrated with yourself. When you are going through a manic episode, you may be embarrassed once the episode is over. Relax. As long as you work through your episodes, things get better over time.
• Do seek help through a licensed professional.
• This article is not written by a medical professional and is not meant to replace their advice.
• If you have a very recently diagnosed case of bipolar disorder or have recently experienced your first manic episodes, it is important that you are working closely with a medical or mental health professional you trust.

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