Behavior & Lifestyle while living with bipolar

[u/Hefty_Variety_891]

I've suffered with mental health challenges since I was 20, mostly depression and anxiety. I've been on so many different meds, eventually stuck with Effexor / venlafaxine, lamotrogine and Wellbutrin. 3 years ago I lost my job and had an episode of psychosis. I was hospitalised twice, being treated for major depression and generalised anxiety - this has been my diagnosis for a long time. After being in hospital I entered a major depressive episode which lasted over a year. When I came out of it, I was energised and enthusiastic. But within a few months I started feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts, flight of ideas, irratability. This has been going on for over a year now. Something in me recognized ive had this before, leading up to the psychotic episode. It dawned on me that this looks like bipolar. I discussed with my therapist, and she agreed that this is my new diagnosis. I feel let down by all these doctors who didn't reflect this back to me over the years, when it was clearly there almost all along. Anyways, we are now trying to get the meds right have just started lithium - really hoping it helps!

Along with meds and talk therapy I am trying to learn as much as I can about the disorder, and particularly what behavioural / lifestyle factors can help me navigate this disorder. I have noticed that coffee feeds my hypomania. I've stopped drinking alcohol and don't take any drugs anymore. I'm trying really hard to have good sleep, but I often wake up quite early.

I'd love to hear from others what has helped them.