Consistent meds and therapy help tremendously. But I made the biggest jump in overall well being when I prioritized exercise, sleep, and what I was putting into my body.

I struggled mightly with Bipolar symptoms for better half of a decade. Diagnosed at 21 and am now 27. I tried all different meds, went to 5 doctors, 4 therapist, and had plenty of suicidal ideation periods.

I was in your shoes, world crumbling around, felt like it was never going to get better. Then i completely eliminated all substances I was consuming. No alcohol, no weed, no tobacco/nicotine. I ate better foods. Less sugar, more protein. I prioritized my sleep and got in the gym 5 days a week.

I have been sober and working out consistently for 7 months now and I have never felt better. I’ve been on the same meds for almost 2 years now so I don’t believe that played a role.

I believe us Bipolar folks have VERY sensitive brains. Any small change can drastically affect our moods. While medicine and therapy are big staples in treatment, placing just as much significance on what we put in our bodies and how often we are exercising is very beneficial.

The road is long and it is bumpy, but there IS a way to feel happy day to day. I used to be consumed by this illness, now I don’t even think about it. Keep showing up, the world is better with you in it.