Take Your Medication
Medication can play a vital part in keeping the bipolar mind balanced, and it is important that you take your medication the way in which it is prescribed. Research shows that patients who stop taking their medication have an 80% chance of relapse within 3 months, which could lead to another hospital stay and further setbacks in your recovery. If you feel you are not responding to a medication well then this should be discussed at a medical appointment with your clinician.
Relapse Prevention Kit
It could be an idea to build yourself a relapse prevention kit as something to refer to occasionally, especially when you are feeling unwell. Some key documents you could use in this kit could be a list of local and national helplines, a list of your early warning signs of relapse, and a mood scale by which you could assess how you are feeling at that time.
You could also give a copy of your early warning signs, and the details of your local health team to a trusted friend or family member so they can respond appropriately if they feel you are becoming unwell again. Keeping a mood diary is also beneficial post hospitalization as your moods may fluctuate regularly, and it is important to monitor these so that they do not get out of control without being documented, and the relevant person alerted.
Take it Slow
Your recovery should be conducted at your own pace, and it is important to remember that setbacks are completely normal and this does not mean you have failed at all. Everyone will experience set backs in every aspect of life, and mental health is no different to this. Slow progress may be frustrating to deal with, but it is still progress!
Be Social
You should aim to not socially isolate yourself following a stay in hospital, although this may be tempting, as you want to avoid the many questions people may have. Social interaction plays a vital part in recovery, and encourages you in taking the steps towards mental wellness. You may be anxious at first but even seeing a friend for a cup of tea for an hour will give you a social boost.
Make Healthy Choices
Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for all round mental wellness, and especially so after a hospitalization. Aiming to get even a small amount of fresh air a day, and trying to avoid processed foods and high amounts of sugar can all assist in helping to keep the mind balanced.
Conclusion
Coping with the world post hospitalization is a challenging and at times scary idea, but with putting the above ideas into practice, it can become a more approachable subject. The most important part of recovery is to listen to your healthcare team, as they have seen you both in periods of illness and during periods of wellness and are thus able to advise you on the best options going forward.
