Other aspects of the long-term management plan will include helping the patient to learn to recognise the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania. Lifestyle advice can support diet (weight gain can be an issue with bipolar medication), regular exercise, sleep quality, and the value of planning enjoyable activities that create a sense of achievement.⁹

While their condition is stable, people with bipolar should be encouraged to develop advance statements about their care, including, potentially, a lasting power of attorney, ideally in collaboration with their carers.

An advance decision is a set of written instructions that state what treatments and help the patient wants or does not want in advance in case they cannot communicate a decision at a later stage.^8,9

Drivers diagnosed with bipolar disorder must notify the DVLA.¹⁰