Most have likely heard of "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs) and "Instrumental Activities of Daily Living" (IADLs). If not, find them described at ADLs and IADLs: Complete Guide To Activities of Daily Living - Kindly Care. All are quite basic, most or all of which we can and do manage, even during bad bipolar episodes. But then there are other activities healthy people see as basic. Here I'm thinking about working at a job, taking proper care of children, some socializing, exercising/eating at least minimally well, exhibiting mostly appropriate behavior, and being able to have some fun and concentrate, when really needed, etc.

I know that many of us here do struggle with some of the above, including one or more ADLs and IADLs. I know many here are on disability, but not all. Sometimes I ask myself if I pushed a little harder if I could do more, "under the gun". Sometimes I try and succeed. Sometimes not. Sometimes efforts to take on one little extra is destabilizing. It's a bummer to compare yourself to others! Not to say other "mentally well" people don't also have to push push push in life. I know limits/capabilities vary, at times.

My questions are:

How are you doing with the most basic stuff (ADLs, IADLs) and the others that most "mentally well" consider normal basic functioning?

Are there things you think you could push harder to do right now?

If you have doubts you can push harder on some things, what are your barriers?

Should you give something up to make life easier?


No need to answer all, if you choose to respond.