I also have a dual-diagnosis of bipolar disorder with PTSD (with a side order of dissociative/depersonalization features). I live a relatively normal / stable existence now, and I'm now asymptomatic for 18 months (except for some dissociative features).
I can't say what will work for you, but I can say what I have learned over the years.
Stick with your treatment, even if you are feeling OK. That includes meds if you go that route.
You don't have to tolerate bad side effects from medication. If your prescriber is unsympathetic or not helpful, find another one.
Don't let your treatment rule your life. Get outside. Do things you enjoy. Exercise. Eat well.
Don't drink alcohol to excess. Your doc will tell you this. They'll tell you to abstain entirely - which may or may not be excessively cautious. I found that occasional drinking - in moderation - did not cause problems.
Attack the problem as a challenge to be overcome, not a problem to be defeated by.
Live in the moment. Be mindful. Don't worry excessively about the past (which you cannot change) or the future (which you cannot control). Concentrate on the now, and the things that you do have control over.
Be self-aware. Learn the clues that your body will give you in the early stages of an episode. It's easier to prevent an episode early than it is to stop one that's started - but you cannot prevent what you cannot see.
Keep a card in your wallet with contact information for your therapist, your prescriber, your emergency contact, and a suicide prevention hotline.
If you feel suicidal, or that you might harm yourself or others, use your resources. Talk to someone you trust. Call a hotline. Go to the emergency room.
Accept that for many people with your diagnosis that occasional inpatient treatment sometimes becomes necessary. Inpatient can be scary, but it is what you make of it.
PM me any time.
I can't say what will work for you, but I can say what I have learned over the years.
Stick with your treatment, even if you are feeling OK. That includes meds if you go that route.
You don't have to tolerate bad side effects from medication. If your prescriber is unsympathetic or not helpful, find another one.
Don't let your treatment rule your life. Get outside. Do things you enjoy. Exercise. Eat well.
Don't drink alcohol to excess. Your doc will tell you this. They'll tell you to abstain entirely - which may or may not be excessively cautious. I found that occasional drinking - in moderation - did not cause problems.
Attack the problem as a challenge to be overcome, not a problem to be defeated by.
Live in the moment. Be mindful. Don't worry excessively about the past (which you cannot change) or the future (which you cannot control). Concentrate on the now, and the things that you do have control over.
Be self-aware. Learn the clues that your body will give you in the early stages of an episode. It's easier to prevent an episode early than it is to stop one that's started - but you cannot prevent what you cannot see.
Keep a card in your wallet with contact information for your therapist, your prescriber, your emergency contact, and a suicide prevention hotline.
If you feel suicidal, or that you might harm yourself or others, use your resources. Talk to someone you trust. Call a hotline. Go to the emergency room.
Accept that for many people with your diagnosis that occasional inpatient treatment sometimes becomes necessary. Inpatient can be scary, but it is what you make of it.
PM me any time.
