Quote:
Originally Posted by noshadows
Hi Supanova, I think your question was about staying active outside of episodes because mania and depression obviously influences it.
For the past few months I have found it very difficult to be active. According to my knowledge you're right about most bipolars leading a pretty sedentary lifestyle. I recon there are so many aspects about it that can contribute to this.
For me personally, it takes a while to wake up from a depressed episode and sometimes the next one happens before I get going. I definitely think that the medication, which ever, has an effect not only physically but also mentally in terms of slowing me down and clouding clear motivation strategies. Also, a lot of it for me is cognitive where I have built up some disempowering believes because of the illness like; even if I get started on a fitness routine, I believe it won't last or I won't succeed cause I hardly ever have and thus fail to convince myself that this time, I'm gonna do it. I tend to use some not so useful thinking patterns like "all or nothing"-thinking where I imagine that I must either go full out and be active every day or do nothing at all. It's a scary one and I identify using the "all or nothing" attitude often in my life. I'm sure there's something about a healthy (or unhealthy) body perception and also some issues regarding worthiness and social engagement. These I think stem from the very symptoms of bipolar. I sometimes drink painkillers because of chronic back ache or as an attempt to change my state and that also doesn't help for feeling energetic enough to get going. I know that cigarette smoking adds to feeling lethargic and sticking to a healthy eating plan, which can be difficult with constant pain and the ups and downs I experience in a bid to achieve 'normal', probably also plays a role.
It's not a losing battle because the above are insights and not justifications so I keep trying.
What do you think it is for you?
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I can totally relate. For me at the moment due to PMDD I am going through a cycle of depression every month and it takes me the rest of the month to recover from it before it hits again!
I try to be active, I really really do but I struggle motivation, and the function to even think of what exercises I could be doing. I have to look at a list each day on the fridge to "remember" that I need to exercise. Then some days (not all) it is a huge effort to even start. I do get on the bike every day, light yoga a few times a week, plus my active job and horse but I still do spend a lot of time sitting down - far too much time sitting down. I never quite realised how much I sat down until I read that article and though, hang on yeah, I am sitting down for the majority of my day (if I am not at work). I logically know this will cause health problems but its like I cant connect the dots that I need to exercise.
I have never noticed an effect on my mood when I am exercising or not, but my body does feel better for it.
I wonder how much meds have an influence on this. Since dropping the AP just a little bit, it is already easier to get out of bed in the morning. I dont feel sedated as such on it but I've been on it so long, whos to know what affect it is having? Maybe I dont remember what its like not to be sedated.
I also wonder what effect anxiety has. Somedays I am too anxious to leave the house, I always go outside everyday regardless, but somedays being outside feels very unsafe, so I do what I need to do then come back to the safety of my house. When I push myself to stay out longer than I feel able to it results in me being quite sick (throwing up, headaches, dizzyness, weakness).
I also judge myself a lot - some days I will get stuck in a negative thinking pattern - this is all just an excuse you ARE just lazy. But many days I know it is more than laziness. People that know me would never consider me lazy but I do put that label on myself. Which I do not think is helpful. But I dont know how else to push myself to do more.
Keep the replies coming, I am pleased to see some people able to keep active, maybe you could share your secrets?