I was thinking about compiling some of the non-drug treatments that seem to work with children and adults. A few that come to my mind:
1. Get them outside in the sunlight every chance you get. Fresh air and sunshine are good for you--grandma was right.
2. A little exercise, even a short walk on a regular basis, makes anyone feel better and healthier.
3. Get to bed at a reasonable hour and get enough sleep. (Important for BP and SO)If you have trouble getting to sleep, do relaxing things--not stimulating things. Turn off the TV.
4. Get up at a reasonable hour each morning. Sleeping during the day and being up at night may work for some people, but it is easier to get enough sunlight if you are awake in the daytime. It is also easier to get things done during the day when businesses are open and other people are awake.
5. Writing notes or lists can make chore lists less personal than telling a person what to do. They also help for people who have little or no memory. A person has to want the notes, though. Troy (my bp dh) does well with notes in certain moods, but hates them otherwise.
6. Be very simple and specific when listing chores or making requests. It is more likely to be done, and done correctly, if the person understands exactly what is expected.
7. Sometimes it is easier to work together or side by side. It keeps everyone on task and doesn't set up a master/servant mentality.
8. Keep responsibilities and expectations reasonable for the person at this time. Remember to raise, as well as lower, expectations during different stages of the cycle. (Personal note: Please do not make a mentally ill person responsible for the care of any animal unless you are willing to step in and take over--no creature should have to suffer that.)
9. Watch the diet and particularly notice what is eaten before mood changes.
Some people are sensitive to sugar, food colorings, and other items that you can avoid if you are aware of them.
10. Set and maintain reasonable boundaries. Do not allow anyone to hurt you, others, or themselves. Make consequences as logical as possible--we want to stop the hurtful behavior or control its effect. Boundaries do not punish.
For example: "If you speak to me cruelly, I will leave the room and not listen to you." Or "If you drink at the party, knowing how alcohol affects you, I will go home without you and you will be on your own until you come to your senses."
That's a start--anyone having something to add, please do.
Mood Stabilizers
Lithium is the true, original mood stabilizer. There are a few anti-epileptic and anti-psychotic drugs that have a mood stabilizing property. Depakote, Lamictal, and Tegretol are other drugs that are used as mood stabilizers.