Five Ways To Heal Your Body From Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder shortens an individual's lifespan by 10 to 20 years, on average. While it may be classified as a mental disorder, there is little doubt that the disease wreaks havoc on the body as well as the mind. So what can sufferers do to help heal their body from the effects of this potentially debilitating disorder?

Medication

Medication is a vital first step for those suffering from bipolar disorder. There are a variety of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics available to try. Some may have unpleasant side effects, so it's important to work with your psychiatrist or general physician to determine the right medication and the appropriate dosage. The stability offered by medication can serve as a launching point for other forms of self-care.

Meditation

Mindful meditation involves clearing the mind and focusing purely on the present. It can feel downright impossible at times, but a regular meditation practice can help make a person with bipolar disorder more aware of their mood cycles. With awareness comes the ability to stop and choose healthier coping mechanisms when dealing with difficult emotions.

Therapy

Someone who has been suffering from bipolar disorder for a long time may find themselves stuck in unproductive thought processes. A therapist can help untangle some of those thoughts and find productive ways for dealing with them. With regular therapy, an individual can even learn to do this on their own.

Exercise

People talk about runner's high for a reason. Prolonged exercise causes endorphins to release in the brain, providing a natural mood boost that can last for hours. While exercise is not a magic cure for bipolar disorder, it can help make the highs and lows a little less extreme. Next time you find yourself feeling low, try hitting the gym.

Nutrition

Carrie Fisher's untimely death helped illustrate the link between bipolar disorder and heart disease. And while It's easy to let proper nutrition fall by the wayside when you're feeling bad, poor nutrition will only contribute to the problem. When your car is running out of gas you don't expect it to run anyway, and your body is no different. Fueling your body with fruits, veggies, protein, and whole grains will help boost energy and stabilize blood sugar-- all things that can help contribute to a positive mood. Furthermore, giving your body nutritious foods will help lower your risk of heart disease.

Some of the habits associated with bipolar disorder may lead to a shortened lifespan, but with awareness, you can combat many risk factors. Medication, meditation, therapy, exercise, and proper nutrition can go a long way towards helping you lead a long and healthy life. Visit websites like lindaromanoneuromusculartherapist.com for more information.