11 Tips for Choosing the Right Bipolar Treatment, Bipolar Boot Camp: Part 8



Bipolar Bootcamp! How is it going so far for you?

 Are you getting anything out of it yet?

 Have you set your goals?


 Have you reviewed the symptoms of both depression and mania?

 Have you done a personal study doing a cost/benefit analysis to your own reactions to your symptoms?

 Have you figured out a marching/walking song that works for you?

 Today's boot camp exercise is going to be a little less active.Unknown Object

 Untreated bipolar only gets worse. If that is true then you will want to do more than the things we have done so far.

 You may want to choose one or more form of treatment. There are a lot of options. Psychotherapy, counseling, coaching, medication, diet, etc. I've already talked about a lot of them on this blog. But as you consider those options here is something to help you:

 MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS AND EVALUATING TREATMENT

 1. Where did you hear about this treatment? Was it from a reliable source?
2. Was proof of the benefit determined in scientific studies?
3. Were the results published in a reputable journal?
4. Were the people in the study similar to you (age, gender, lifestyle)?
5. Could other factors lead to the same results (seasonal changes, other treatments or medications)?
6. Does the treatment require that you stop another medication with the treatment listed?
7. Is information about the potential dangers or costs associated with the treatment listed?
8. How much does it cost financially?
9. How does the new treatment balance out in a cost-benefit analysis?
10. Is the new treatment worth it? (benefits?)
11. What is your provider's recommendation about this treatment?

 You might want to make a copy of this list and put it in your Bipolar Boot Camp Binder.

 WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Has bipolar boot camp given you more understanding about all kinds of depression, not just bipolar? Have you picked up one little insight to make just one small difference?

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.



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