Work/life balance and BP

Hi @MackLouis

Work/life balance is tricky to get right even when you're NOT managing mental health issues. I completely understand what you said about working lots to support expensive hobbies, but never having time for them because you're always working!

In terms of maintaining good mental health, many people keep seeing their supports when they are feeling well. This ensures they can talk about any small issues that come up before they turn into bigger issues. It also provides an opportunity to think about WHY things are going well at the moment so you have an idea of what might be helpful if you are struggling in the future.

Some people find that when things are going well that they stop their self-care routines because they don't need them anymore. However, it can be really important to keep these habits up even when you are feeling well because they can help you stay that way

All the best MackLouis.

@Jupiter that is exactly my problem! Except last time the self care thing I stopped was taking my medication properly, I lowered the dose thinking it was smart when I was soooooo careful with everything else... Whoops.... Never again! Everything else, all my important self care (diet, exercise, supplements, hobbies) slowly slipped away when I did that.

Right now work feels relentless, I almost cried earlier today when I found out one of my colleagues has broken her leg. She's been off work for a week for other reasons and we really notice her absence, she is a good friend of mine and I'm worried for her, but in my current state all I can think of is "oh crap that means I really CAN'T take time off."

Today I'm starting 4 hours late, ostensibly to get some study done but so far I have managed to nap, do a load of washing and cook dinner HA! I'm still trying to get over the fatigue from a virus so I'm being kind to myself.

Most of my hobbies are outside hobbies, so winter and 3 feet of mud is making everything worse. Blergh! Bring on summer, please!!!

As long as you learn from past experiences that didn't go so well, then that's okay! It sounds like you have a great deal of compassion for your work colleague and are very concerned for them, but I can see how it also adds pressure to you now that you can't take time off.

Although you didn't get study done, having a nap, doing some washing, and cooking dinner is still being productive - especially if you are recovering from being sick! Great to hear that you are being kind to yourself!

All the best @MackLouis

Hi MackLouis

“Does anyone see a counselor/psychologist even when they are well to ensure they are STAYING well?”

yes i do. If things are not going well I see my psych once a week or more. When the crisis or big issue is resolved I go back to seeing my psych less, sometimes once a month.

That doesnt mean that nothing negative happens when I don’t see my psych as often, things do still happen and if they aren’t crisis level

things I still find it helpful to see my psych. Like car maintenance sort of - a regular check on how things are running to make sure the car engine isn’t going to blow up, if that makes sense.

The loop you speak of @MackLouis is so familar to me. Also about money. While I am not in paid work. I do the housework and running around for two children and a husband. I think I can't buy this, I can't go out because I don't work. I think the reason we have money in the bank is becuase I deny myself so much. I know this is rare in cases of bipolar. Usually us BP people spend spend. I have Bipolar type two.