Let`s talk about Bipolar

Glad you're confident of riding it out @Captain24, although the holiday break must make it harder. I'm struggling a bit atm.

Im sorry that you’re struggling @Dimity. Is there anything you wan to talk through?

Actually I'm lost for words @Captain24 ... things seem pretty dismal. It's not just my mood, things have been difficult. And I go days without talking to anyone so I'm out of practice. I've spiralled pretty low and I know there's stuff I have to do but it seems beyond me. I'm not looking to a change of meds, more a change of direction.

Sorry you are feeling so low @Dimity. Do you have any supports that can help with the change of direction? I get when things are difficult it’s hard to maintain your MH. Are you able to gain some social contact if that may help?

Hi @Dimity

Not good to hear you’re at a really low point. I’d offer you some things that have helped me, but I’m pretty sure you’re across these. I just thought that I’d tell you I’m thinking of you. I’ve really valued your wisdom and support ongoing. It’s been valued by me. So maybe keep your chin up, know that you’re loved and don’t forget to practice self-compassion.

Thankyou @Captain24 @Delicatessen your support means a lot. I'll see some family tonight. I just came in from a slow walk in the drizzle, the fresh air was good.

@Shaz51

Super late to the party with this post - Really glad to report feeling well and have been for some time.

Rather than just saying “I’m good”, I thought I might share a bit about what has been working for me to keep everything stable.

1. Medication - getting that right has probably saved my life. Consistency taking them is key, then managing side effects.
2. Managing side effects - taking fibre tablets to help with digestion and health bowel movements, exercise to stave off weight gain, moisturiser for skin dryness, coffee for “asleepyness” in the mornings (like how I justified my coffee addiction haha).
3. Exercise - also to manage potential weight gain + good for mind. 3 x weight sessions p.w. + running 2-3 x per week. Interesting, finding weight fluctuates a lot and is very stubborn. Hard to lose weight but good to maintain weight.
4. Routine - helps me to monitor moods going higher or lower + keeps everything stable. Exercising on the same days, waking up / going to bed at a similar time each day, taking medications at the same times, working strict hours (trying to stay away from overtime / becoming too goal oriented - trying to manage potential hypo-manias)
5. Therapy - I have found a good program to treat underlying issues I have had over the years / deal with the shame created by the grief I caused during my manic/depressed phases.
6. Sacrifice - quit alcohol (150 days sober), and have ceased medications that were dialling up the manic episodes. Very careful about what I put into my body and potential impact on mood. Needless to say no illicit substances either. I find that substances are the quickest way to precipitate an upward or downward swing, so I’m steering clear altogether.
7. Social activity - staying in touch with friends, making new friends. Trying to create positive feedback loops in my interactions with people. I have found success in keeping interactions short, sweet and positive with the people I hurt during my last downward swing/hospitalisation.
8. Transparency - letting select people know about my condition and what it has been like. Finding that many people share their stories right back.
9. Patience - a lot of things could be a lot better than they are right now, especially after the issues I caused for myself while manic. I am learning patience, and to look after myself while waiting for things to improve socially and financially.
10. Keep turning up - no matter how I feel, it has been important to keep turning up for work, turning up for social appointments, turning up to exercise, and to keep turning up to doctors appointments. All of these little interactions, I have found, compound into big improvements over time.
11. Tracking moods - I use a fantastic app called “eMoods” to track my daily moods, weight, medications, social activity, self care and more. Creates great data for myself and my physicians.
12. Self care - journaling, therapy, finding downtime, meditation, massages, retail therapy and more. If you don’t look after yourself, who will?
13. Prayer - daily prayer and gratitude journaling, turning to God to help me with this condition and to work all things for good. Asking for healing so that I may be of service to other people and myself in a positive way. Realising that I cannot do all of the above by myself, and that it is OK to ask for help.

Hopefully someone out there will get some benefit out of this. If anyone has additional suggestions I’d love to hear them - something tells me there is a lot more that can be done to remain stable and keep working on improving our ability to live with this condition.

Much love to those out there still suffering or in the midst of a mood swing. I’ll be praying for you.

Thankyou for sharing @PolarOpposite . It's good to hear from you, and your manifesto is inspiring. I'm trying most of what's on your list, but there's definitely room for improvement. "Keep turning up" is an important one, and applies to so many things.

Hello @Tilly3 , come and meet some wonderful members @Dimity , @PolarOpposite , @Delicatessen , @Captain24 , @tonys , @Olga

Hello @Tilly3 and welcome