Bipolar 2

Living well with bipolar 2 disorder

Small daily habits and a clear plan for warning signs can help keep your mood steadier.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

On this page
  1. Track your mood
  2. Spot hypomania early
  3. Coping with depression
  4. Protect your sleep and routine
  5. Alcohol and drugs
  6. Support

Track your mood

Use a mood diary or app to record your mood, sleep and energy each day. It helps you notice patterns and gives your care team useful information.

Spot hypomania early

Hypomania can feel good, so it is easy to miss. Signs to watch for include sleeping less, starting lots of projects, spending more and talking faster. Ask someone you trust to tell you if they notice changes.

Coping with depression

  • set small daily goals
  • keep some structure to your day
  • stay in touch with people, even briefly
  • tell your care team if depression is getting worse

Protect your sleep and routine

Regular sleep, meals and activity help keep mood stable. Be careful with late nights, shift work and travel across time zones.

Alcohol and drugs

They can make mood swings worse and affect your medicines.

Support

Bipolar UK offers peer support groups, an online community and a free mood tracker.

Sources we used

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