[RRU96]

Has anyone else here gone on like a heath-nut lifestyle change when it comes to (hypo)mania?

I havent had a cigarette in 4 weeks (still smoke a few black&mild's)
I havent had a caffeine drink in like, a week...
I am trying to get healthier... and I have never been worried to much about my weight. (yes, I know healthy isnt measured in a scale alone/at all)

Have any of you guys gone through this change of lifestyle in this manner and if so, did it stick?

[NuckingFutz]

I've gone through something similiar. But with bipolar, if I go into depression mode again, some of those changes revert a bit. I'm not walking as much and drinking too much caffine and the sugar, oh, not going to go there.

But for the most part, if you have worked hard at something it usually sticks, not doing as many unhealthy things and I just get back on the wagon after the depression lifts.

[sugahorse1]

I've cut back my smoking (Could be the Wellbutrin too though...) and I have stopped (well, nearly) drinking coffee.

[venusss]

I tend not to eat much when (hypo)manic. I find it waste of time... or I am just so lost in my thoughts that I don!t feel hungry at all.

[sugahorse1]

I'm still coming to grips with hypomania, as I've only recently experienced it for any substantial amount of time.

So far - I have been eating less, sleeping less, smoking less, drinking more, spending more

Doesn't sound healthy, my approach

[ladyjrnlist]

I am on a sugar free, gluten free diet. It helps regulate my moods, especially going without all the sugar. Haven't been able to give up smokes or caffeine yet, but that's next in line.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by RRU96

Have any of you guys gone through this change of lifestyle in this manner and if so, did it stick?

I've always lived a healthy lifestyle, but was neurotic with it prior to being diagnosed. I've been diagnosed since 2007 and in this past year I've noticed that what a ate, drank affected my mood, so I'm probably better with the eating (eating more fruits and vegetables). I also started taking supplements this year and that has made a difference too.

As far as sticking with it I make a goal each week. I'm also part of the thread on the BP Social Society (Losing weight/healthy living) and I find that helps me stay on track.

[BNLsMOM]

When I get hypomanic, I usually try to do some kind of health overhaul. It is usually something big, like going completely raw vegan or starting some sort of exercise program. I usually abandon it when I am depressed. I hope that I can find some balance someday if I get stable. I have quite a bit of weight to lose from the last couple of years.

Yeah, I'd have to say so. Definitely do get determined to be waaay more diligent in certain realms during such times (one of which was health -nuttery, as it happens, RRU96). So, the anwer would have to be yes. Here is the thing... related, but kind of different. Because of being undiagnosed for so many years, quite a bit of time has been spent in reflection... remembering all the out of the ordinary (or at least to my basic character) activities (some of which went on for quite some time, others not) and pondering if they were hypomanic times. They certainly do seem to strongly indicate so, but not being able to actually remember how I felt at those times has been kind of frustrating. Suppose it doesn't matter, being water under the bridge. Bothers nonetheless.

[Ryask]

i did that on my last bought of hypomania..the one before this...i lost 25 pounds..ate like a freak..taking all kinds of suppliments recording everything..and i excersized like a mad woman....i gained back 30...while depressed...

[RRU96]

Well... the thing is I have good motivation to do some of these things. My wife has bladder issues so cutting out Caffeine was an easy option. Cutting out cigarettes was because 2 years ago my aunt died of lung cancer. Didnt even make it to her 60th. I think maybe its possible that the (hypo)mania has just given me the motivation to do these things. I dont miss cigarettes as I still smoke cigars... though not as much as cigarettes. And caffeine isnt hard to give up evidently for me. Then again, cigarettes hasnt been either.