Staying on track with medications and treatments for bipolar disorder A team approach works best There are things we can do to help our progress, and to stay on track. Taking a team approach with your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist and family is the best way you can manage bipolar disorder. The team can create a wellbeing plan that helps you stick to prescribed treatments. It helps you and your family know your warning signs, and can minimise impacts of the illness on your everyday life. Other things can assist in helping you manage the disorder and maintain quality of life, including: acceptance of the diagnosis of bipolar disorder psychoeducation including education of our families or carers motivation to stick to a management plan (including medication) awareness and self-monitoring of mood relapse prevention and management and knowing our relapse triggers integrating diagnosis into a sense of self. Wellbeing plans Having a ‘wellbeing plan’ is an important psychological tool for maintaining wellness between highs and lows and for preventing the exacerbation of low-level symptoms into full-blown episodes. You and your doctor can develop a personalised wellbeing plan to help keep you on track. Wellbeing plans for bipolar disorder: are designed to help people stay well identify any triggers and stresses that may cause problems develop strategies for coping with stressful situations list early warning signs of both highs and lows suggest positive lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and getting regular sleep. Wellbeing plans can also help your family know about early warning signs, and ensure you get the help you need in difficult times. Understanding your ‘relapse signature’ can help you recognise signs and symptoms that may tell you of a future possible episode of hypomania, mania or depression.