If you suspect you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, consult a qualified health professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment, given the condition’s severity and associated risks.
Do not rely solely on talk therapy or natural approaches for bipolar disorder; instead, prioritize appropriate prescription drug treatments from a board-certified psychiatrist due to the disorder’s severity and suicide risk.
Seek early treatment for bipolar disorder, as interventions like lithium can prevent longer-lasting neural circuit changes and mitigate the disease’s progression.
For bipolar disorder, combine drug therapies with talk therapies, as drug treatments are generally necessary, and talk therapies serve as terrific augmentative support, potentially allowing lower drug doses.
Be vigilant and increase awareness of bipolar disorder symptoms in yourself and others, especially observing patterns of mania, hypomania, depression, and symptom-free states, as early recognition is crucial.
For an accurate diagnosis and understanding of bipolar disorder, rely on reports from family members or close acquaintances, as patients often have diminished interoception and may not accurately perceive their own state.
Discuss high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (e.g., 9.6 grams/day) with your doctor, as it shows promise in reducing depressive symptoms and potentially some manic episodes by improving neural membrane fluidity.
Engage in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside drug treatments to adjust responses to anxiety-provoking life events, potentially making drug treatments more effective and reducing harm.
Participate in family-focused therapy to leverage family members’ insights into a patient’s condition and help predict or navigate bipolar episodes, given their unique perspective on the individual’s behavior.
Consider Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to address social and interpersonal dynamics, which can significantly impact the course and outcomes of bipolar episodes.
Incorporate lifestyle interventions such as better sleep, adequate exercise, proper nutrition, healthy social interactions, and regular sunlight exposure to support the nervous system and psyche, but recognize they are supplementary and not a standalone treatment for bipolar disorder.
Drink Element (an electrolyte drink with sodium, magnesium, and potassium, no sugar) first thing in the morning and during physical exercise to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance for optimal brain and body function.
Take Athletic Greens once or twice a day to cover basic nutritional needs, address deficiencies, and support microbiome health with probiotics.
Supplement with Vitamin D3K2, as D3 is essential for brain and body health (even with sun exposure) and K2 supports cardiovascular function and calcium regulation.
Drink non-smoked varieties of yerba mate for mild appetite suppression and caffeine, as it stimulates GLP-1 release which causes gut distension and brain satiety.
Use the Waking Up app for meditation, mindfulness, yoga nidra, or NSDR protocols to explore different mental states, improve understanding of consciousness, and restore cognitive and physical energy.
Avoid using cannabis or psilocybin for treating bipolar disorder, as there is currently no significant data supporting their effectiveness for either manic or depressive phases, and they are illegal in many places.