moshe, the medications available in 1990 were just fine. I suspect your lady-friend did not take them very faithfully.
Ask away lostlantern, I'm surrounded.
...helpful activities for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Tongue in cheek, their families would say, "stay on the medication!"
A bipolar on the "high" might be on any number of committees and societies. For a time they will be popular, and their energy and enthusiasm contagious. Then the crash, the recrimination, the confused societies left floundering in the flotsam and the jetsam of their ambitious schemes.
After a particularly disastrous "high", I'm usually approached by the bi-polar with a raft of excuses for their barely-remembered bad behavior during those times. It might have included vicious attacks on my person and destruction of property. They vaguely know they've done wrong, but also don't feel particularly responsible, either. My heartfelt wish is that the bipolar keep those excuses to himself. I reserve the right to remember, and protect myself from any dreaded future incident.
I have done some research but I can't find any information that relates to 'daily activities' that may help an individual.
I've read that sleep is good for a bipolar on a high, and staying awake during the low. This goes counter to their natural inclination, by the way.
Many bipolars can be wonderfully articulate and creative. A daily journal may help. This can also help them and trusted friends track their state of mind.
A bipolar should develop an internal rating system, say from 0 to 10, with 0 being very depressed and 10 being very high, to help them track their own state of mind.
I hear the latest thinking is to teach the mentally ill to take some responsibility for their illness. A bipolar should learn to rate their state of mind daily, learn their own patterns, and resolve if they are too high or low, to call their trusted friend for help.
It seems to me that unscheduled, irregular drop-in classes in their interest area would be best. The person can then attend or drop out without causing disruption or guilt.
Near the end of her disease, my mother prefers routine. She enjoys walks in her local park. She corresponds regularly with her extended family. She clips out articles of interest and includes them with her letters.
