48-Hour Rule

The "48-Hour Rule" for those with Bipolar Disorder is a strategy to prevent impulsive, risky decisions during HYPOMANIA/MANIA by delaying action for at least two full days before deciding on major changes like ending a relationship in particular with a parent or parents, quitting a job or making big potentially unnecessary purchases etc. This "48-Hour Rule" once again creates the crucial time to distinguish and separate INTENSE URGES from sound judgment.

How it Works

Identify the Urge: You feel a strong impulse to end a relationship in particular with a parent or parents, quit a job or make a significant in reality unnecessary purchase or any other major life change.

Create Space: Postpone any action for 48 hours (two full days).

Re-evaluate: After 48 hours, reassess if the decision still feels right and is truly ultimately proper/beneficial or WRONG/HARMFUL.

Why it's Effective

Counteracts Impulsivity:

Bipolar episodes often involve impulsivity and poor judgment.

Reduces Risk:

Waiting helps you differentiate between a truly good idea and one a HORRIBLY/AWFUL one that just feels good in some particular moment due to mood elevation.

When to Use It

Ending relationships, primarily with a parent or parents.

Quitting a job.

Making large but in reality FOOLISH or UNNECESSARY financial decisions.

Any major life change driven by a sudden, intense feeling during a HYPOMANIA/MANIA state.

In conjunction with other strategies and in particular consulting with your psychiatrist this rule really does offer a practical way to maintain/regain control and prevent REGRETTABLE/DESTRUCTIVE ACTIONS.