[disguise123]

im on the mood rollercoaster again. Sick of the ride, but my doctor has told me i need to accept that this is life for me.

[sugahorse1]

Meds and therapy can help slow the cycles down, as well as the severity of them - does your doctor help you with this?

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by rapidcycla

im on the mood rollercoaster again. Sick of the ride, but my doctor has told me i need to accept that this is life for me.

Hi rapid, how long have you been diagnosed? The meds for me didn't take away the symptoms, but I find now the severity isn't there i.e. my highs aren't so high and my lows aren't as dangerous. It took me about 3 years to get to this point and I found since my med change in May it has greatly helped.

There are many things that a person can do to help manage the illness. I made this list for someone else, but this is what I have learned since my diagnosis. I hope it helps.
·Take meds as prescribed.
·Educate yourself on the illness.
·Be honest with your psychiatrist, GP, therapist etc.
·Get regular sleep, if you can't sleep ask for a prescription for sleep to be taken regularly or as needed.
·Eat properly i.e. avoid excessive caffeine, junk food etc.
·Avoid alcohol.
·Avoid non-prescription drugs and/or drugs not prescribed to you.
·Exercise regularly.
·Set a routine for yourself i.e. getting up at the same time, going to sleep at the same time.
·Surround yourself with people that fill you up.
·Take time for yourself.
·Be patient. The med regime for many diagnosed does take time, but it's worth taking the time.
·Write in a journal especially with how you are feeling right now; that way if you ever considered going off meds it may help you make a better decision.
·Track your mood. Great free one online at http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker
·And finally remember you aren't your diagnosis. You have bipolar, but you aren't bipolar.

[Kymaro]

excellent blueoctober. if it was always that easy to follow that. But great list. love it and use it :-)

[disguise123]

thanks guys, i know what i need to do, its just staying focused on the plan is something i struggle with, and being honest for that matter.
Feeling hopless, but this too shall pass.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by rapidcycla

thanks guys, i know what i need to do, its just staying focused on the plan is something i struggle with

It's frustrating and for me when I'm depressed I can't remember ever feeling happy. It does always lift, so during that time I just force myself to continue with my routine (exercising, going to work, going to the stables etc.). It's hard, but I find if I don't the depression gets worse.

[disguise123]

i must be so lazy, i cant do it.

[blueoctober]

You're not lazy. Depression can suck the life out of a person. It may help to make 1 small goal to complete each day such as a short walk, going to coffee etc.

[disguise123]

hmm ok your right, today i will do the dishes. And wash clothes. Your right im worrying about so much that i get stuck.

[disguise123]

thankyou ((blueoctober))

[sugahorse1]

Break your day into little chuncks and as long as you can cross off one on your list - you have achieved something.
Depression is hard - but you can pull yourself through this!

[disguise123]

i did a bit today. So that feels good.

[sugahorse1]

Great news! Now you need to reward yourself

[disguise123]

oh.
No i dont know about that, i think im basically always rewarding myself, i am pretty lazy, its good when i do something but rewards?.....

[sugahorse1]

positive reinforcement.
You aren't lazy - you are going through a rough patch and doing your best to get through it.

[disguise123]

i think ive been in a rough patch for about twenty four years now.....only because i cant remember having thoughts before the age of five! Its ok i can laugh about that fact right now.
Thankyou for all your help.