Establish a Mental Illness Relapse Prevention Plan

When you have a mental illness, a relapse prevention plan is key to happiness and bliss (Is A Mental Illness Relapse Part of Recovery?). You should always have a mental illness relapse prevention plan established.

A depression relapse or relapse into any other mental illness can devastate an individual. As someone who has bipolar disorder, I know, personally, how heartbreaking mental illness relapse can be. And I also know the importance of a good relapse prevention plan.

What is a Mental Illness Relapse Prevention Plan?

A mental illness relapse prevention plan is exactly what it sounds like. It is a plan you establish prior to a mental health episode to prevent a relapse. A relapse prevention plan serves as a safety net and identifies the support that you need when symptoms arise.

What to Include in Your Relapse Prevention Plan

When you are thinking about a mental illness relapse prevention plan it’s important to identify your supports. If you know who your supports are you will be more likely to reach out to them in time of crisis. It’s also important to know what your triggers are. Big purchases are a trigger for me so I know to have my support on hand whenever I’m going to have to make a big purchase. Avoiding triggers, when possible, is also important. When you know what your triggers are it’s easier to avoid them and reach out for help when possible.

The last category that I have in my mental illness relapse prevention plan is what I call my “healthy routines.” These are the things I do every day to maintain my health and keep my spirits up. For me, one of the most important things is taking my medication, but little things like making my bed, fixing my hair and brushing my teeth are all part of my daily routine. When I do these things, it’s a sign that I am healthy. When I don’t, it reminds me to reach out to my support system. Routines are an important part of maintaining mental health and cultivating bliss.

Keep Your Mental Illness Relapse Prevention Plan Current

Every time I am symptomatic I reach for the support in my mental illness relapse prevention plan. Once I am stabilized, I take the opportunity to reflect on any triggers that may have caused my symptoms. I also take the opportunity update my supports.

A good relapse prevention plan for mental illness can help you maintain the stability needed to achieve bliss.

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