Things You'll Need:
- Time to yourself
- Family or friends that understand or want to understand
- Support from an online community
- Meditation or prayer
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Step 1
Find time to be alone with your thoughts. Write down what is important to you, what goals you may have, along with brainstorming strategies to handle certain situations or people. A very helpful website that I have found is http://www.dbtselfhelp.com
This website is a wonderful tool for overcoming your struggles with the disorder. -
Step 2
Discuss your symptoms with a friend or family member that understands and is supportive. You can also find local groups from the local chapter of NAMI, at http://www.nami.org
Being part of a support group can bring great relief for those who feel alone and that no one understands what they deal with. -
Step 3
There are also wonderful books on this matter, titles which I've personally read and would recommend include:
**Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression" (9781569245583): Lana R. Castle, Peter C. Whybrow
**Bipolar Disorder for Dummies: By, Candida Fink, M.D. and Joe Kraynak
**I Hate You, Don't Leave Me: by Jerold J. Kreisman and Hal Straus (this is a self-help book for Borderline personality disorder, however BPD and manic depression have very similar thought patterns)
Find more resources at:
http://www.psycom.net/bookstore.bipolar_gen.html -
Step 4
Whether you are religious or not, there are wonderful resources for learning more about positive thinking and mindfulness in your life. Speak to your local church or even offer your help in volunteer work for the homeless or other helpful positions in your community. Feeling good about yourself is very important and those who are less fortunate will appreciate your efforts as well.
