Staying well with manic depressionbipolar disorder Dr Sarah

Staying well with manic depression/bipolar disorder Dr Sarah Russell v. Research Matters

Defining “staying well”

Staying well

What is a stay well plan? ØA ‘living’ document ØIdentifies triggers and early warning signs ØDescribe preventative strategies ØDocuments ‘stay well’ interventions ØDeveloped with others

Preventing episodes of illness Part 1 §Life experiences §Adequate amounts of sleep §Manageable levels of stress §Lifestyle (exercise, diet)

Preventing episodes of illness Part 2 §Suitable medication and otherapies §Reliable professional support §Supportive workplaces §Compassionate local communities § Social support networks

Preventing episodes of illness Part 3 §Insight into what triggers the illness §Awareness of warning signs § Interventions to deal with triggers and warning signs

A stay well plan in action § Rob’s main triggers: § Jet lag § Increased work demands § Change of seasons § Rob’s warning signs: § § § Obsess about a work problem or idea Talk faster than usual Feel a sense of urgency Difficulty completing tasks Wake up in the middle of night thinking about work problem or idea

A lifelong journey: staying well with manic depression/bipolar disorder Sarah Russell Published by Michelle Anderson Publishing