After many years of ups and downs, I finally feel GOOD for a change. No more depression and (almost) no more anger. No hypo/mania either. I'm stable! (Well, I'm stable *for now*... lol.)

I've recently embarked on a healthy diet with the help of a nutritionist. I'm 5'5" 105, but have very high cholesterol (I think my total cholesterol is almost 300). Upon reflection, I've realized I've been eating my feelings. (That's the only way to describe it. lol.) I would turn to junk food to feel better. My health was in a bad place, and I think it was, in turn, affecting my mood. I'm now taking vitamin D for my mood as well, as recommended by my nutritionist.

What positive changes have you made recently that have helped you?

Well I must fess up the negative first. After a six month period of losing some weight I have recently in a short period of time gained it - and more - back.

But the positive thing is that (after some intense therapy) I no longer identify myself with my weight. I realise there is so much more to life; and, that people identify me with my character instead. So, I get on with things now. While I admit I am disappointed at the weight gain it doesn't define me.

This is but one positive change in my life tied to my 12 session therapy program; one which really stresses challenging negative core beliefs.

[Icare dixit]

Positives: healthier eating (appetite, finally and always!), taking my meds and supplements with military precision (so perfect sleep hygiene).

Negatives: none (I must be hypomanic ).

I feel reborn. Perfect days.

[violetgreen]

I'm on leave from my very stressful job, and plan to quit that job in the next few months. Started a part time job that is low stress and high on job satisfaction. Changing my approach to dealing with conflict, and I have effectively navigated some long standing relationship issues, got skills to work with thanks to DBT training and practice. Stopped expecting my Mom to change. Enjoying regular exercise and limiting sugar. My weight is stable, and am very slowly losing some. All of that comes to mind immediately and keep in mind that all of this is done imperfectly, and with a degree of inconsistency. And I'm validating my process, I want my life to be a guilt free zone.

[Icare dixit]

Originally Posted by violetgreen

I'm on leave from my very stressful job, and plan to quit that job in the next few months. Started a part time job that is low stress and high on job satisfaction. Changing my approach to dealing with conflict, and I have effectively navigated some long standing relationship issues, got skills to work with thanks to DBT training and practice. Stopped expecting my Mom to change. Enjoying regular exercise and limiting sugar. My weight is stable, and am very slowly losing some. All of that comes to mind immediately and keep in mind that all of this is done imperfectly, and with a degree of inconsistency. And I'm validating my process, I want my life to be a guilt free zone.

Thanks for this: that's quite comprehensive!

Freedom from (unwarranted, long-lasting) guilt, forever!

Never feel guilty for who you are, always see/analyse whether your guilt is the result of someone else's (it tends to be). Then just settle for them being cancelled out.

We are all wise and intelligent enough to cope, per (BP) se, even if it seems unbearable.

[DesigningWoman]

I am really making efforts to be more social and less closed off. This is very hard for me.

[BastetsMuse]

Positive changes that have helped me include taking vitamins B12 and D3 for mood and overall health, and making sure I shower every other day whether I feel like it or not (I stay home a lot, and so it just seems that I was letting that go too long).

I stopped eating chaotically. Now i eat healthier and in moderation and according to a schedule. It wasn't even that hard and i am so pleased with myself.

[Keegan2015]

Over the last couple of months I've made the decision to be 100% med-compliant with my new doctor which is new for me.

Quitting drinking (almost 2 months sober now!) is another obvious big, positive change.

I switched over to using a vape instead of smoking cigarettes ... not exactly "healthy" but probably better than inhaling smoke and tar every day.

Trying to find positive ways to use my free time instead of sitting around brooding or beating myself up over the past. I should be starting as a volunteer counselor at a center for troubled teens sometime within the next couple of weeks.

[DesigningWoman]

I put up a shower curtain. I was never allowed to do anything in my old living situation. I was so controlled that now at 36 and on my own, there are an insane number of life skills I have never done and don't even know if I can do. I bought the new curtain which is super pretty and bright almost two months ago. The old curtain liner in my apartment has gotten pretty gross. So tonight I decided I had to figure out how the rings worked and swap them out. And I did! It was super easy too! Embarrassing but I am really proud of myself. DIY here I come.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I made a decision to go IP and go off my Seroquel and start Clozaril. It was very, very difficult but I am feeling better than I have in a long time. And honestly I'm pretty proud of myself for deciding and doing something I knew was going to be extremely hard.

[DesigningWoman]

Thanks for this awesome posting and replies. It's encouraging to see all the different steps we are taking to improve our lives, even if we don't always want to or are scared. Change is possible. Positive change is doable. It never hurts to see a reminder.

[venusss]

I decided to creative journal and to write and draw things out, instead of obsessing and rumminating about them.

[wiretwister]

New T , fresh start , wife goes friday to T with me ... 100% med complient ... journaling now for T ... keep your fingers crossed ... really like this T ..

[1278]

I'm 100% med compliant, I'm eating more healthy and exercising regularly. i'm also trying to journal my moods as frequently as possible. I need to work on mediation and on sleep patterns though.

[WhatDayIsItAgain]

I started taking ssri pill and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Tomorrow I go to the primary care doctor to find out what the progress is on my torn sholder and twisted knee for the range of motion. I have been resting my injuried joints for three months now.

[furiousfever]

Significantly less drinking.
Got a personal trainer and started exercising 5 days a week. I've always been active, but making it a regular scheduled part of my life has helped.
Set up a daily routine which has been the hardest part. I love the novelty(but not the consequences) of chaos. It's so strange to go through the motions is such a way. I'm terrified that im going to FREAK THE Fk out one of these days, but for now...it's strangely comforting.

Do y'all notice issues with your friends over your positive changes? It's hard for mine to see it and not feel ignored,left behind, etc. I get a lot of grief for it

[raspberrytorte]

I feel proud of myself for standing my ground and going off seroquel with pretty much zero support. I don't feel I need it despite the opposition I received, and now that I'm off it I feel a million times better! (Other than anxiety issues.)

[Standup2me]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

After many years of ups and downs, I finally feel GOOD for a change. No more depression and (almost) no more anger. No hypo/mania either. I'm stable! (Well, I'm stable *for now*... lol.)

I've recently embarked on a healthy diet with the help of a nutritionist. I'm 5'5" 105, but have very high cholesterol (I think my total cholesterol is almost 300). Upon reflection, I've realized I've been eating my feelings. (That's the only way to describe it. lol.) I would turn to junk food to feel better. My health was in a bad place, and I think it was, in turn, affecting my mood. I'm now taking vitamin D for my mood as well, as recommended by my nutritionist.

What positive changes have you made recently that have helped you?

Is it the nutritionist that helped? How? I am really curious because I have developed some really bad food habits, and am in need of a...ummm... not sure how to say it...a reality check? A good kick in the pants? A level of accountability?
Please share

[Standup2me]

Originally Posted by furiousfever

Significantly less drinking.
Got a personal trainer and started exercising 5 days a week. I've always been active, but making it a regular scheduled part of my life has helped.
Set up a daily routine which has been the hardest part. I love the novelty(but not the consequences) of chaos. It's so strange to go through the motions is such a way. I'm terrified that im going to FREAK THE Fk out one of these days, but for now...it's strangely comforting.

Do y'all notice issues with your friends over your positive changes? It's hard for mine to see it and not feel ignored,left behind, etc. I get a lot of grief for it

At one point in life I was very overweight. 5' tall and over 200 lbs. I joined Weight Watchers and started losing weight, and feeling great. Hubby (ex now), would bring home fact food, chips, candies, baking, and comment "I brought this for you". So, out of guilt I ate it. Then it hit me... he wants me to be heavy, feel lethargic and blah so he could feel better about himself. It was very strange to realize that my hubby was my worst enemy