Overview
Bipolar disorder being a lifelong condition requires continued treatment with medications, even during the intervals when the patient feels better. Skipping maintenance treatment puts a patient at high risks of relapse, or may turn their minor mood changes into a full-blown episode of mania or depression.
Here are some reasons that showcase the necessity of post rehabilitation care –
Modification in medications. You psychiatrist may need to modify your medications according to how they are impacting you. Regular follow-ups can ensure that you’re taking the appropriate medications that help you effectively manage your bipolar disorder symptoms.
Dealing with life’s stressors and triggers. Life can throw various challenges that can act as triggers, making it harder to adhere to treatment or making one experience a sense of hopelessness. Engaging in regular therapy can help a bipolar patient deal with their depressive episodes as well as other emotional distress due to stressors, helping them live their best life possible.
Enforcing lifestyle changes. A routine and engaging in healthy activities can enhance the mood stability most craved for by bipolar patients. Therapy sessions can help the patient see the value of maintaining these lifestyle changes, often practiced regularly in a rehabilitation setting, thus reinforcing it. Preventing relapses. Continuing treatment after rehabilitation with different professionals ensures adherence to treatment and thus prevents relapses. Decreased need for hospitalization. Not adhering to maintenance treatment can lead the occurrence of episodes to get so intense that it requires hospitalization. Post rehabilitation care ensures that the patient is able to maintain recovery and have fewer relapses without needing hospitalization. Enhancing quality of life. Post rehabilitation care helps the patient keep their symptoms in check, thus overall increasing their quality of life.