Keeping Your Balance  – Coping with Bipolar Disorder

This Programme is designed to provide you with some information about bipolar disorder and suggested strategies for how you can manage your mood.  This information package is organised into modules that are designed to be worked through in sequence.  Although it is not necessary that you complete one module before going on to the next, this is recommended.  Each module includes information, worksheets, and suggested exercises or activities.

 Programme Modules:

Module 1 describes the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It also provides information about the causes of bipolar disorder and the stress-vulnerability model.

Module 2 provides an overview of the different types of treatment often used with bipolar disorder.

Module 3 describes how to monitor symptoms, how to identify early warning signs, and how to develop a plan of action to prevent future relapses.

Module 4 describes how to increase activity levels, particularly fun activities.

Module 5 examines how thoughts influence feelings and explores how to use a thought diary to improve feelings associated with depression.

Module 6 explores the cognitive changes that occur in mania and how to use a balance sheet to examine unhelpful thoughts that occur during mania.

Module 7 describes behavioural strategies to incorporate into early intervention plans, such as developing a weekly activity schedule, as well as organising and prioritising ideas.

Module 8 describes the problem solving process and how to identify resources to cope with stressors. It also describes how to summarise the strategies learned from other modules to develop a self management plan.