when is it time for hospital

@oceangirl sorry to hear depression is getting to you. It's so hard to beat sometimes isn't it? Do you have activities to do that make you feel a bit better at the time?

@eth Thanks for your concern- it is tough at times. Depending on time of day but I find exercise and self care and human connection has probably helped me the most. The self care encompasses quite a lot of things just taking care of me and my needs. I think what helps is just taking action and doing what is best for me- sometimes doing these things are a struggle.

I hear you @oceangirl. I am getting a bit better at those things too since I moved to have more support but I know the struggle well. It's still frequent for me too. Being on the forums again is the most connection and communication I've had for ages.

Hearing those words, I hear you, it makes a world of difference especially when its geninue and the person cares. I hope you are able to find some like minded friends or people who make you feel good about yourself. I think when you feel comfortable with someone it actually lifts the depression and clarity and a spark back to you. My journey started in 2014 after being diagnosed with depression in hospital and I think I had made huge progress over the last few years but I still have a way to go. Sending you love and light and adventure my friend @eth

Thanks @oceangirl and I wish the same for you. I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 in hospital in 2009 but I now know I had it for years before that and several hospital admissions before that too, but only diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder previously. Complex PTSD adds to the picture and interplays with the bipolar. I would hope that my experiences mean I have something to offer others, even if it's just truly listening (which I can get better at!).

How do you manage your condition @eth.

You have a lot to deal with @eth I take my hat off to you. I hope you get all the help and support you deserve. Have you had any recent hospital admissions- I was in hospital this year for 4 weeks for my depression and PTSD.

@oceangirl partly medication partly avoidance of triggers, not all of which are easy to avoid. And avoidance itself can be a problem in some ways. I know that some of my triggers are lack of sleep more than the occasional late night, excess stress, travel and trauma. It's very hard to avoid chronic stress with the cPTSD tho' as I get very panicky and hypervigilant in many situations so I stay in my comfort zone most of the time and never go out alone. Like I said, not an ideal way of life. Getting a bit more exercise and eating better and avoiding stimulants help too. If I do have a hypomanic or manic episode I try to keep busy in quiet ways and rest when I am able to.

How do you manage?

@oceangirl I have managed not to be hospitalized since 2009. And I'm currently working at joining some community groups for the first time in many years. I have really isolated myself over the last several years since the last time I was assaulted.