this hits the nail on the head for me, as does the previous poster who said they think it just takes away what limited "functionality" resources they have...even when I am feeling okay/stable, I know I only have a limited amount of mental resources to expend before I start getting into stress mode and I know that stress mode risks me going into a more serious episode. so I try to minimize my stress level at all times...it's almost become an automatic thing. and on days I know I have to keep it together enough to parent my toddler, straighten up my house, function at work, etc. etc., the little things like whether I wash my hair or put makeup on or have a clean car seem soooooooo insignificant and inconsequential. no one will know (usually) if I don't wash my hair but not being present for my toddler or my job is noticeable. on days I feel like I have energy to spare, it's not an issue, but I would say most days I don't feel that way. then again, maybe that's a sign I'm not truly stable? as I said previously, I shower every day but it's hard to motivate myself to do so. I've never been manic and am not really sure what hypomania feels like (sometimes I think I confuse it with feeling normal/good, and I am new to this so who knows) so I can't really say if it's easier when I am in the "up" phase. my bipolar 2 has predominant depression but more serious episodes usually present as mixed so I always just figured it was a depressive thing...