We talk about meds a lot here, so I wanted to offer a post about skills that go with recovering from Bipolar. I could've written more, but here are ten I picked at random--all have been greatly helpful to me.
Perhaps you have comments, additions, or criticisms. I'd like to hear them. I won't take offense if you choose to differ. Maybe you have a story about how one of these, or another, technique has helped you. No technique is too modest as far as I'm concerned.
1. Learning to spot mood episodes and manage them before they get out of hand.
2. Teaching loved ones the best way to handle mood states, both for them and for you.
3. Staying on your meds. Not making impulsive switches without good reason and support from your doc or family.
4. Learning tools like DBT and CBT and not just relying on medication solutions.
5. Learning how to pull yourself out of a depression.
6. Learning and practicing mindfulness meditation.
7. Cutting stress, using whatever methods you can find.
8. Recognizing that severe mood episodes are often traumatic, and using healing techniques for trauma to ease our pain.
9. Focusing on recovery, not just stability.
10. Always attending to our real life social networks, so we have friends when we need them. Computer networks are good too.
DBT = Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
CBT = Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or just Cognitive Therapy
You can easily find books on these two therapies, and you can inquire if your therapist uses them. DBT is good for beginners but CBT is the more powerful, in my opinion. One book on CBT basics is called Feeling Good, by David Burns. It's a bestseller, is in most bookstores, and is not expensive. He does underestimate the usefulness of his book for Bipolar, so when you read that passage, just ignore it. It's just not his specialty.
What do I mean by recovery? Continual improvement and growth, allowing for a few bumps along the way. Being dedicated to obtaining long-term remissions from mood episodes and symptoms. Going past treatment, towards wellness. Taking responsibility for your own understanding of your illness and treatment and refining them. Not taking it easy and hoping meds will save you by themselves.
It's what I wish for you all.
(I'm a specialty beer lover so this is hard).