Can I improve my bipolar without professional help?

82 Answers Moderated by Jennifer Fritz, LMSW, PhD Updated: May 11, 2022

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peppermintlove on Sep 1, 2016

It definitely is better for you to seek professional help when dealing with a serious mental health condition such as bipolar. Bipolar can be dangerous when not treated, but with effective treatment episodes can improve within 3 months. There is also medication that you can take but therapy is a good way of treating bipolar, for example talk therapy can help. 

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soulsings on Jun 26, 2016

I have asked this of professionals and they all said it is possible if someone works very hard at changing their lifestyle to one that is supportive and self caring to improve over time. The problem is that many people discover they have bipolar in a crisis in their lives. There is no time to self care and turn things around when in a crisis. At that time a professional's help is needed to get things stable. Then it is possible to use self care to improve your situation. We all need help sometime in our lives. Why not choose someone that has worked with these types of problems their whole professional career?

Expert approved by Polly Letsch, LCSW

Anonymous on Oct 6, 2017

I was able to improve the way I handle my bipolar disorder by changing my lifestyle.  I adopted a positive lifestyle by working on my faith, becoming vegan and a minimalist, meditating, exercising regularly, doing yoga, walking in nature, working on my hobbies, volunteering/helping others, and trying to become more mindful. I still get depressed from time to time, but I can handle my mental illness better compared before. I also have my partner and other loved ones to support me and understand me whenever I'm down, which helped me feel better.

avriel on Sep 15, 2017

I have done that :) I mean with professional help at first and now I just deal it with myself. I managed to track the pattern of my mood. and a lot of self believe help me.

Anonymous on Jul 18, 2016

There are two types of bipolar. Type 2 is more manageable but if you have type 1 then you will likely need some professional help. there are some things you can do to improve your condition but bipolar is a chronic mental illness that generally speaking does require some sort of professional help. 

politePond88 on Jul 23, 2016

No, Without professional help and/or medication, your bipolar will only get worse.    That is why some people need to see a therapist early before it get worse.

BigEarsRenee on Jun 22, 2016

Lifestyle changes and study. Make sure you are eating, sleeping, socializing and caring for yourself. Also study the disease for better understanding. Sometimes a professional is needed.

Jesse1285 on Sep 8, 2016

In general, bipolar disorder i difficult to deal with with professional help. There are practices and behaviors that can improve outcomes, but these are not used in place of professional oversight. If you are looking for ways to manage bipolar disorder, you should consider speaking to a professional, either a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can give you options and help you come up with a medically sound treatment plan.

Expert approved by Polly Letsch, LCSW

Anonymous on Apr 23, 2017

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder than requires consultation with a professional. In addition to discussing treatment options, such as medication and therapy with a professional, there are a number of things you can do that may help to you gain to better control of symptoms including maintaining a regular bed time and wake time (even on weekends), regulating stress levels through healthy coping mechanisms, getting adequate exercise, and eating healthy. These things are important parts of any health lifestyle. Some individuals have specific mood episode triggers (such as missing a night of sleep) that they learn to recognize. You could consider keeping a journal to figure out if you have any specific triggers that you might be able to avoid. Joining a support group is another option. A support group isn't a replacement for profession help, but may help to provide you with a sense of understanding, acceptance, and community.

braveSoul96 on Jul 30, 2016

Indeed! Personal development is key. Eliminating triggers and negative vibes and people from around you. It's an ongoing fight and it won't be easy but believe me, it'll be worth it. 

handsomeForest17 on Oct 6, 2016

I'm a bipolar too. Without medication i feel worse. Medication should be taken in order to perform normally in everyday life.

Skuhlm1 on Nov 5, 2016

I've found that wellness practices can substantially improve well-being and outlook. However, my opinion is that alternative therapies can only address only a limited part of a biological disorder.

Anonymous on Aug 19, 2016

Asking for help is the best organized way that can active gives you very great result and very fast so yes ask professional for help.

braveVision49 on Sep 8, 2016

Sure you can! You just have to work very hard to pin point what causes your highs and lows and things that may trigger it.

2amSonder on Oct 9, 2016

There's many alternative methods to helping mental issues. If professional help isn't an option for whatever reason, taking small steps to recovering can still have the same improvement. The first step is acknowledging your condition which you have already done, so congratulations! There's so many websites and support centres willing to help you out, including everyone here at 7 cups. Just talking to people can help more than you think. Take everything day by day, practice mindfulness and meditation and surround yourself with people who make you happy and support you. You can overcome this stay strong :)

Supergirl94 on Jan 26, 2017

I have not personally had bipolar but many have said it is hard to manage it without professional help or at least having medication for it. But from what I can tell by individuals I know who do have bipolar, you can manage it without professional help. You just need to find what works for you! You may find a lot of "spiritual" things will help balance yourself. Meditations, music, aromatherapy, journaling, etc.

disenchanted99 on Jan 29, 2017

There are steps you can take, yes. If at all possible it's best to get professional help, but if you cannot I would suggest researching "in the moment" tips to deal with manic and depressive episodes. You can practice better habits in the rest of your life to try and minimize stress, and try to identify the triggers of your manic/depressive episodes and work on avoiding them. 

Anonymous on Apr 14, 2017

You can if you are truly commiting yourself to feel better and that you are surrounded by supportive people. But I believe it's best if you speak to someone who can guide you through this. It's always best to have someone by your side than going through this process alone.

Emcocapr on Apr 20, 2017

Bipolar is a condition that can consume you, you may not ever be 'cured', but learning ways to cope will help you function in everyday life. Try things like meditating, exercising regularly and eating healthy to make you feel good inside, giving you the confidence to wake up every day and know that you are a strong individual just for getting out of bed. Don't be afraid to talk to the people around you, sometimes all you need is someone to just listen, just like what we do here at 7 cups.

thoughtfulOasis on Apr 26, 2017

You can lesson those periods of depression with meditation, eating healthy, exercise, and general self-care. However, therapists can help you figure out what to do in those times of crisis. Psychiatrists can treat the mental parts of your body that aren't functioning how they are supposed to. So, you can improve moments, but it wouldn't be completely improved in the long run without help and support.