By Stephen Propst
Like a ship sailing the sea, we must know our destination, stay away from storms, lean on our crew, and plan ahead in order to stabilize our moods.
A few years ago I traveled aboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships. For seven days, I sailed the seas on a Caribbean voyage. For years, I’ve dealt with bipolar while on a recovery journey. When a passenger ship runs into rough waters, stabilizers help steady it. Whenever I encounter challenges to my wellness, these 10 seaworthy strategies help stabilize me.
#1 Be the Captain in Charge
No one knows you better than you do! Assuming personal responsibility for your bipolar condition means taking total charge, from controlling setbacks to celebrating successes. When you’re in command, you have the best chance of making recovery a reality.
#2 Choose the Best Crew
Each time the ship I was on returns to its home port, the crew works like a well-oiled machine to perform an amazing 12-hour turnaround. To effectively manage a mood disorder, it’s critical to have the right people on your team, from your doctor and therapist to family and friends, to help you turn your life around.
#3 Heed Where You’re Headed
What’s your destination? Reaching real recovery is more than simply eradicating symptoms. It’s having a life: a job, a home, a relationship—whatever is important to you. Again, your crew should be there to help you get to where you’re going!
#4 Be Sensible about Safety
On the first day of our cruise, passengers had to report to their designated muster stations for a mandated safety drill. In dealing with bipolar, do you take safety seriously? How will you respond?
#5 Enjoy the Excursion
Now that you know where you’re headed, don’t forget to enjoy the trip while you’re on your way. I learned to start appreciating each step, however small, along my recovery journey. Occasional detours or even dead ends don’t have to spell doom. They can be enlightening experiences that help give you insight into yourself and your life.
#6 Steer Clear of Storms
Although our ship’s captain was prepared for whatever conditions we might encounter, he never took any unnecessary chances. When you live with bipolar, neither should you. Stay away from known triggers, and keep unnecessary stress at bay. Avoid people or situations that can prove problematic for you.
#7 Consider Your Options
On the ship, there were 23 restaurants to choose from … so many options! You, too, have many alternatives when it comes to the doctor or therapist you choose or the medications you take.
#8 Get a Guide
When it came to shore excursions, we could risk running into problems by going alone or be safer and go on a guided trip. In recovery, it often makes sense to have someone who’s been there, perhaps a Certified Peer Specialist, accompany you on your recovery journey.
#9 Plan Ahead
For the cruise, we had to organize our plans in advance, from reserving showtimes to making arrangements for dinner. Similarly, a solid recovery blueprint should include a schedule of recurring responsibilities, like seeing your doctor, taking prescribed medications, and attending support groups, as well as important routines like eating nutritiously, exercising daily, and sleeping soundly.
#10 Ask for Help
On the ship, Guest Relations was open 24/7 for assistance. Likewise, support for bipolar is always available, whether you need a helping hand or crisis intervention. Take the time to identify resources ahead of time and then don’t ever hesitate to reach out for relief.
Sticking to these strategies has helped me cruise confidently down the wellness “waterway” for years now. If bipolar is rocking your boat, get on board with these concepts. You too can enjoy smoother sailing ahead.
Used by permission.