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Originally Posted by FluffyDinosaur
I'm currently using mood charts that track mania/depression and also anxiety and irritability (which are all major factors for me). I'm open to any other recommendations you might have! I've also tried journaling but I find that I'm too ashamed to write about myself in an "up close and personal" way. Mood charts work for me because they're pretty clinical and detached.
Thankfully I had stumbled upon the idea of mood charts about 6 months before I could start with my psychiatrist, so that really helped with the diagnosis (I had both mixed and depressive episodes during the time). I'm also starting to understand some of my triggers, although the big challenge now is how to deal with the ones I can't avoid (lack of sleep due to kids, stress due to traveling for work, etc.).
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I think you're doing a great job with tracking then. I'm not a 'dear journal, today I feel....' person either
I track my own set of criteria in a journal, but I think it is similar to mood tracker apps. I track my meds, sleep, activities, diet, depression, anxiety, racing thoughts, any physical symptoms or discomfort, exercise and the weather.
Lack of sleep due to kids is such a tough one. I go through that sometimes and I am grateful my little ones are a little older now and sleep much better. Work stress is also very hard to control. Keep reaching out here as those situational triggers occur. We've had some really fantastic suggestions come up over time. Also, its just nice to know you aren't alone and that you have the support of those who genuinely understand.