HALT with Bipolar Disorder

There is an acronym that I used with my life in general, but that applies to bipolar disorder just as easily: HALT.

HALT stands for: H = Hungry, A = Angry, L = Lonely, and T = Tired.

In other words, never let yourself get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. If you do, HALT! or STOP! and take care of whatever you need to.

Some people can get mighty grumpy when their stomachs are growling! They don't calm down till they get something to eat. The point is to never let yourself get to this point - eat your meals on a regular basis, and make sure that they are healthy meals at that.

Don't eat junk food or unhealthy meals. They won't help you, and they can harm you. Sugar, high carb and high fat meals will not only put weight on you, but can mess with your body's metabolism and all kinds of things. You want balance in your body so you can have balance in your mind.

You also never want to get too angry. Too many people with bipolar stuff their anger until it comes out surprisingly in a bipolar manic rage. Then they wonder where it came from!

You need to learn to manage your anger as well as the rest of your emotions. Don't keep it bottled up inside, because it will just spill out and over at the most inopportune time and way. Listen to me, it will happen, have no doubts of that. You need to learn to mange your anger in a positive way.

Loneliness is bad for someone with bipolar disorder. It can lead to isolation, and isolation can lead to a bipolar episode. You really don't want that. So if you're ever feeling lonely, reach out to someone. Reach out to your supporter, and be honest - tell them how you're feeling.

Reach out to other family members and friends, too. Go out and socialize. Go to a support group. Go to church. Go to a day center. Go to the library. Go to the mall. Go where there are other people so you don't feel so alone, anywhere. Do anything to combat your loneliness.

If you get too tired too often, it can lead to depresion, and depresion can lead to a depressive episode. You don't want that. You need to keep your energy up. Eating right can help with that, and so can exercise. Exercise increases your body's natural endorphins, which naturally make you feel better.

Endorphins give you natural energy, too. They can help you feel less tired. Get the right amount of sleep, too. Keep a good sleep shedule, and make sure that it is uninterrupted sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the worst triggers to a manic episode.

Any one of these things being off kilter can throw you off, but if you have more than one at a time, it can be dangerous for your bipolar disorder. Consider that the next time you feel hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Remember to HALT, and take care of yourself.

BTW, don't forget to check out my new bipolar book at: www.brokenroseministries.com

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele