By Onika Dainty

Managing Bipolar I disorder is a lifelong journey, and if I’m being honest, it hasn’t always been easy. Looking back, I remember the first time I felt my moods swinging like a pendulum. I was a teenager, barely 16-years-old, when Anxiety and Depression started to creep in. Now, two decades later, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my disorder. In this post, I want to share five lessons that helped me live with Bipolar I disorder and find some peace, even during the toughest times. This is for anyone feeling lost—you're not alone.

1. Recognizing the Early Signs of Bipolar I Disorder

I didn’t know what was happening to me when I started experiencing these extreme emotional highs and lows as a teenager. One day I’d feel like I could conquer the world, bursting with energy and ideas, and the next, I couldn’t get out of bed. I wasn’t just “moody” or having a rough time; it was something deeper and more persistent. The anxiety and depression I felt were red flags, but it wasn’t until I saw a psychiatrist and got diagnosed with Depression and Generalized Anxiety disorder that I started to understand what was happening.Although my Bipolar I diagnosis came much later the signs of the serious mood disorder to come surfaced in my teens.

If you suspect something similar in yourself or a loved one, my advice is to pay close attention to the patterns of your moods. If you're feeling stuck in extreme highs and lows for extended periods, it might be time to seek professional help. Early diagnosis is crucial because it gives you the chance to begin managing it before it becomes more disruptive. For more in-depth guidance, check out my post, How to Start Managing Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide. This resource provides practical steps to help you on your mental health journey.

2. The Role of Therapy in Managing Bipolar Disorder

I’ve been in and out of therapy for years, and one thing I’ve learned is that therapy is an essential part of managing Bipolar I disorder. It took me a while to find the right approach and the right therapist, but once I did, things started to make sense. For me, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been a game-changer. It taught me to challenge negative thought patterns and helped me build coping strategies for when I feel a manic or depressive episode coming on.

Mindfulness practices have also helped me stay present and avoid being completely overwhelmed by emotions. However, therapy isn’t just about what happens during sessions; it’s about applying those techniques in real life. Having someone to talk to—whether it’s a therapist, counselor or even a peer support group—can make all the difference in maintaining stability. In a future post I will guide you through my journey finding various therapeutic options and provide tips for finding the right fit for your needs.

3. Medication is Not One-Size-Fits-All

When I was first diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder, I thought that once I started medication, everything would instantly get better. That wasn’t the case. The truth is, finding the right medication—or combination of medications—is a journey in itself. I’ve been on several different medications over the years, and it’s taken time to find what works for my body without overwhelming side effects.

It’s frustrating, to say the least. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I’ve learned to be patient with the process. It’s important to work closely with your psychiatrist and medical team, be honest about how you’re feeling, and understand that it might take time to get things right. Managing Bipolar I disorder with medication isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding a balance that lets you function in your daily life without feeling like a zombie or spiraling into Mania or Depression. The How to Start Managing Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide elaborates on how to approach medication management effectively, empowering you to take charge of your treatment.

4. Building a Support System

If there’s one thing I can’t emphasize enough, it’s the importance of a strong support system. Living with Bipolar I disorder is hard enough, and trying to do it alone is even harder. Over the years, I’ve leaned on family, close friends, and even peer support groups. My family has been my rock, but it hasn’t always been easy for them to understand what I’m going through.

Having people who truly understand—whether it’s someone with the same diagnosis or a therapist—has been incredibly empowering for me. I’ve also had to learn to set boundaries with people who unintentionally trigger me or drain my energy. It’s okay to protect your mental health by saying “no” when you need to. In a future post, I explore how to build and nurture your support network effectively, offering practical tips to help you find the right people to surround yourself with.

5. Prioritizing Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

When you’re managing Bipolar I disorder, self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. I’ve learned that if I don’t prioritize my mental and physical health, I can’t function. Simple things like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising make a huge difference in keeping my mood stable. When I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I’m much more likely to slip into a manic or depressive episode.

Routine is another big part of staying well. I try to keep my daily schedule consistent, even when life gets hectic. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to set boundaries. Saying “no” to extra commitments or toxic relationships has been one of the hardest but most necessary lessons. When I take care of myself first, I’m in a much better position to handle whatever life throws my way. For more self-care strategies and tips, be sure to check out the self-care section in the How to Start Managing Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide, where I delve deeper into creating a personalized self-care routine.

Final Thoughts

Managing Bipolar I disorder takes a lot of trial and error, but the most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to be kind to yourself. This journey isn’t linear, and there will be setbacks, but it's about making progress, not being perfect. Whether it’s through therapy, medication, or building a support system, you are not alone. Take it one day at a time, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. The more you learn about yourself and your Bipolar disorder, the better you’ll get at managing it. Trust the process and keep moving forward.

For a more comprehensive understanding of how to navigate this journey, I encourage you to read How to Start Managing Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide. Together, we can empower ourselves to face the challenges of Bipolar disorder and find the path toward a balanced life.