Alternative Ways to Improve Mental Health

Sleep has been the biggest thing for me, I recently got switched to a new med that not only helps me with my mood, it also helps me sleep, like knocks me right out, which I think is part of the reason I’m not really depressed now. Meds aren’t the only things that can help with sleep. There are melatonin and other sleep supplements, limiting caffeine in the evening and late afternoon, having a sleep routine, things like that.

A solid sleep routine has been the most consistently valuable thing for me outside of medication.

My doctor told me that exercise and "routine" are good for us. As far as being bipolar I am not really on the depressed end of things, I'm more "high". Although recently I was seriously depressed. I got a new job, and once I had a better "routine", I was no longer depressed. I believe that getting involved in life and having a purpose, helps me alot.

Supplements help me tremendously! Depending on how I feel I will take precursors to certain neurotransmitters and it’s the most effective that I’ve found so far. When really depressed and stressed- tyrosine (^dopamine). When anxious- 5HTP (^serotonin) and L-theanine. Need motivation- PEA (chemically similar to aderal and really helps inflammation and mood). I did genetic and micronutrient testing to see what my body needs though. I would say do extensive research or find someone that specializes in supplements first though and try to get some testing done so you don’t have an adverse reaction. I know that can be frustrating to find though. Supplements are my area of expertise and just saying it can be an absolute mine field if you don’t know what you’re looking for and can end up doing more harm than good.