Know How to
- Practice more self-discipline – as opposed to doing things only when I felt like doing them or when you had the impulse to do them. Even though you still struggle with procrastination, I find the more I discipline myself to complete the tasks on my “to do” list daily, I do better emotionally and physically, and I sleep better.
- Be mindful at all times about what was happening around , what you were feeling, and also identify the important things to be doing on your “to do list” .
- Know your triggers. When triggered you would easily become more impulsive. So it was important for me to pay attention to those things that would trigger me so I could stop the flood of emotions that most likely would burst forth.
- Take control of your tongue. Instead of lashing out with my words when angry, I found that it was easier to wait to express myself after the flood of emotions had passed. Truth is, our words easily hurt others. It’s impossible to take your words back.
- Be accountable to others in regards to your impulse control.
- Never use bipolar disorder as an excuse.
- Believe that you could do the first six things as opposed to saying, “ I’m bipolar, that’s just the way you am. Like it or leave it.”
Today, with medicine and self-discipline, for the most part the issue of impulse control is under control. How about you? Did you or do you still experience the connection between your bipolar disorder and impulse control? If so, what are you doing about it?
Check out Brad’s weekly podcast: “Fresh Hope for Mental Health”