Uhm howww do I cope? I uhmmm ok well first my mindset has to be on par with "coping" I don't like "coping" and "surviving" though, my goal is LIVING. So part of that mindset for me is I'm a surfer, and my cycles and episodes are the waves. The Tsunamis are a MOFO, but I manage

I practice healthy hedonism (we had lots of great ideas in a thread a while back) where I set aside me time, just me time. Where I'm not a mother, a daughter, a gf or a friend. I'm just me, doing what me loves, or treating myself to nice things. Can be as simple as a bubblebath (but you don't get out until YOU want to, not bcoz something needs your attention) It could be treating yourself to a favourite dessert... It depends on the individual what the hedonism will entail. Its very helpful during those rough spots where things become overwhelming...

Exercise helps quite a bit I hear (I'm allergic, but hopefully will start dancing again soon as a substitute) A few member here walk, jog, cycle, practice yoga, etc. Some medicated others not. They all encourage exercise though, releases endorphins when you're down and expels manic / mixed energy.

Music. aaaah music is a godsend. It helps me process all the big ones, the whoppers, the tsunamis! I channel my emotions through music, its how I let my anger, pain, and euphoria out. Sure not everyone wants it blaring till 3am, but thats why headphones were invented! Max volume is always an option!

Sleep hygiene is very important. A healthy sleep schedule does wonders for maintaining mood and helps to not "provoke" mania. If you have problems falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep schedule, a sleep ritual is most helpful for that.

I was told B12 regimen is good and have been taking double dosage monthly shots. Shots mainly because I hate pills and also because I metabolize stuff at an alarming rate.

I hear eating healthy is generally good for you, altho admittedly I'm not a fan, unless by healthy it means I can have pizza and pasta every night. Well maybe I should.... its the main 4 food groups all in my plate!

Try to avoid stimulants and depressents (coffee, alcohol etc) and when you don't, ingest them with caution.

Anxiety, idk about others, but when I have the skin- crawling type, a hot shower and a scratchy lufa is the best remedy for me.

Visual/Auditory/Olfactory/Tactile hallucinations? Reality checking helps. For the first 3 playing them down and pretty much ignoring them or laughing them off helps. Concentrating on them magnifies them, although if it gets out of hand, meds might be needed. The tactile? sorry I have no tools for that shyt, freaks me the fk out! its The worst type, hands down!

Emotional purging is VERY important, I definitly feel worse when I'm caught up in a storm and refuse to speak up. Once I've logged in and word-vomitted all over a new thread I feel lighter. And once my dear dear friends send me love, comfort, support and advice, I start feeling better already. The loneliness is very isolating, it magnifies the symptoms, so posting here is a HUGE help.

I'm typing and typing, but honestly not sure if this is helpful or not. I know theres a ton of stuff I'm forgetting, so sorry about that....

Also wanted to add, there's no shame in seeking manufactured help when things are overwhelming...be it in the form of a benzo or valerian root.
Personally I like calming teas when I'm stressed, before things escalate and spiral....

Oooh knew I forgot something very important!.. Remember to break down your challenges into tiny chunks of doable tasks. The big picture can set us off in a huge way during stressfull times, so divide and conquer is the name of the stress game!

Accepting help is a good thing. ooh ooh and a warm to PC