The following steps may help bipolar patients weather the current economic storm, primarily by helping them avoid episodes of uninhibited shopping. Most of the tips are valuable to everyone during tough financial times, but they are doubly important for those with bipolar disorder.
- Do what you can to avoid mania. Regular sleep patterns, exercise, and meditation all help reduce the stress that triggers an episode.
- Talk to a financial expert. Getting the advice of a financial expert can help you come up with a game plan to avoid overspending and defuse the feeling of helplessness.
- Find a support group. Dr. Robbins says that brooding and keeping your emotions to yourself won’t help. Support within a community helps patients understand they are not alone. In addition, support groups can be a good resource for information on jobs, health care, and other issues. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a good place to start.
- Turn off Mad Money. The 24-hour news cycle may, in fact, be driving you mad. "Sound bites won’t help you acquire wisdom or knowledge, and television news is contaminated with negativity," says Dr. Goodwin. Overstimulation can also trigger mania. If you want to learn more about the economic crisis, he suggests in-depth articles that allow for reflection and analysis.
- Hit up the drug companies. Most pharmaceutical companies give away free medications to bipolar patients who meet certain economic criteria, Dr. Goodwin says. If your current financial state is problematic, consider this option. Your doctor should be aware of the application process.
- Consider setting up a durable power of attorney. This allows a bipolar patient to designate another person to act as legal authority on their financial behalf, in the case that they become incapacitated. The power of attorney can be tailored to the patient's specific requests.
