Staying well with manic depression/bipolar disorder Dr Sarah Russell  Research Matters

Defining “staying well”

Staying well

What is a stay well plan?  A ‘living’ document  Identifies triggers and early warning signs  Describe preventative strategies  Documents ‘stay well’ interventions  Developed with others

Preventing episodes of illness Part 1  Life experiences  Adequate amounts of sleep  Manageable levels of stress  Lifestyle (exercise, diet)

Preventing episodes of illness Part 2   Social support networks  Suitable medication and other therapies  Reliable professional support  Supportive workplaces  Compassionate local communities

Preventing episodes of illness Part 3   Interventions to deal with triggers and warning signs  Insight into what triggers the illness  Awareness of warning signs

A stay well plan in action  Rob’s main triggers:  Jet lag  Increased work demands  Change of seasons  Rob’s warning signs:  Obsess about a work problem or idea  Talk faster than usual  Feel a sense of urgency  Difficulty completing tasks  Wake up in the middle of night thinking about work problem or idea work problem or idea

A lifelong journey: staying well with manic depression/bipolar disorder Sarah Russell Published by Michelle Anderson Publishing