Bipolar · Episode
Bipolar Depressive Episode Toolkit
The between-appointments non-negotiables
Bipolar depression is not unipolar depression — antidepressants alone can destabilize. This sheet is the between-appointments toolkit while your treatment team steers.
The non-negotiables during an episode
- Keep taking meds as prescribed (tell prescriber before changing)
- Wake time held; light in eyes
- One movement each day, even 10 minutes
- One person contacted daily
- No major decisions
- Safety plan visible
Daily minimum
One mastery, one pleasure, one connection — very small
Suicidality
Safety plan in place; means restriction; 988 in US
Ride, don't decide
Depressive episodes lie about the future. No permanent decisions get made in an episode.