Laura Yeager: Tips for Taking Your Bipolar Meds
(This originally appeared in BP Magazine.)
1. Set up a routine. Take your meds at the same time(s) every day. I take mine before I brush my teeth at night. Taking them at the same time every day, ritualistically, helps you remember to take them.
2. Use a little toast when taking meds. Look in the mirror and say “Cheers” or “Prost” (German) or “L’chaim” (Hebrew). An even better toast to use is “to your health.” Look yourself in the eye when you say this.
3. Using affirmations may help as well. Say “with this medicine, I am maintaining my health.” Say the affirmation before and after you take the meds.
4. Drink lots of water to wash them down.
5. While taking them, visualize yourself in a crazed, unmedicated state. You can’t get off the couch because you’re depressed. You’re driving very quickly and dangerously because you’re manic. Say “thank you,” after you visualize this, and then take the pills.
6. Buy a joke book. I like Henny Youngman. Tell yourself a joke when you take your meds. Laugh a little. Smile at yourself in the mirror.
7. Keep cologne or perfume by the meds. Spritz a little on after you take the pills. This will help you associate something pleasant with your medication.
8. Have a nice glass of juice with your medication. Remember, a glass of juice is one serving of fruit.
9. Pray for the world when you take your meds. This ritual can be turned into something for an even greater good.
10. After you take your meds, particularly at night, light a candle. Bask in its glow. You are a child of good health. Sleep peacefully. Have a great night.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment4 Comments
Laura, what wonderful ideas. I love the idea of toasting to my health when I take my meds.
I have ADD, which I also take medicine for. I have to take it in the morning, but the ritualistic process is incredibly important -- or I risk forgetting to take it! By putting my prescription bottles in one place, taking them at the same time each morning, and making it part of a routine, we are less apt to "fight" the urge to take them or to think that we no longer need them.
Thank you for an inspiring post. Here's to your health as well. =)
April 2, 2009 - 8:46amThis Comment
Hi Diane P.
Thanks for writing. I'm glad you liked the tips.
Laura
April 2, 2009 - 9:03amWhat great ideas. I hate taking my medication, but this is a really positive way to approach it. Thank you!
Helene
April 6, 2009 - 4:30amAnonymous:
Thanks for the praise!
Laura
April 6, 2009 - 6:26am