[LoveLoveS]

Hi. I'm new here. I was diagnosed with depression when I was 15 or 16 then diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 18 I am now 21. I have been having a very difficult time and it's only getting worse. Alcohol does not help. I discovered it only makes things worse. I am here for support from others that have been through this. I'm not sure what to do..

[A Red Panda]

Well, coming here was a good start! I've just joined recently too and I find this place to be a wonderful resource and support area.

Depression really stinks. (Understatement of the year yeah?!) What I found helped me keep going when I was just coming to terms with things... was to reflect on the fact that I HAVE felt happy and relaxed before (sad to say I experienced that while high...) and I made it my goal to try to find my way to feeling like that without anything else helping me.

And you know what? I've made it there a few times. So I know my brain is capable of it, and whenever I'm really depressed I remind myself of that. "You're capable of it! Keep on going and you'll get there again sometime!" Sometimes I just want to give up and quit... but I remind myself that it's the wires in my brain getting crossed.

I find setting myself goals helps a lot. Short-term and long-term. Short term goals usually involve cleaning and hygiene, or social things. Long-term goals are things like eating healthier, drinking more water, travel, etc.

I agree w/ Cheshire. Short-term and long-term goals have keep from the very deepest spots. Coming here, and reading and posting have helped A LOT!

There is a lot of good people here, that want to help.

[middlepath]

Hi LoveLoveS. At least you discovered the alcohol connection early! I somehow survived until now not knowing that was making things worse until now (late 30's). Good for you for being so self aware. I am currently reading a book called Mood Mapping, that was written by a person who is bipolar. It is helping me learn even more about myself and connect with cause/effect so I may have better control of my moods and behavior. That, coupled with the support of people who are living with BP here on PsychCentral, have been really helpful to me lately. Someone said this to me when I first joined and it was so comforting, so i will say it to you now; "i look forward to our mutual journey". I may add (in my own words) may we bring one another comfort, understanding, and support. Glad your here!

[LoveLoveS]

Hello everyone
Thank you!! I already feel the love!

[LoveLoveS]

CheshireCatGrin & jeffro1972
I will try this! If it worked for you two, I should really focus on it! any tips in how you stayed focused on them? I get discouraged easily :s

middlepath
Yes. Well, it was also my friend that noticed it too. My friend said I changed when I started drinking more and I feel different so I stopped drinking! Mood Mapping, that sounds like a book that will keep my attention! Thanks!!

Thanks again everyone! So welcoming

[bipolarOne79]

Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I am going thru a bad time right now and this site has been helpful. Everyone here is really nice, you can message me anytime.

Love I get discouraged easily as well. My trick is to talk over my goals w/ a trusted friend and my T. First to make sure that they are reasonable, and secondly, to make me accountable to someone else. If I don't share them w/ someone, I don't usually complete them.

[A Red Panda]

I always go with little goals. Sometimes I make a list of things I need to do around the house (if I've gotten way behind). I find it satisfying to cross things off.

Also. I bribe myself with small rewards (eg. Ok, you have to vacuum and change the kitty litter. Once that's done...you can watch something.) If I still end up not doing something one day... it's the goal for the next day. Usually I don't miss more than two days in a row before I manage to get my act in gear!

I tend to play music fairly loudly when I'm doing chores. I usually bop around while I clean, even if I'm depressed. I enjoy it once I get started - although I might take ages to eventually get started!