[Sliders]

I recently got out of the hospital after spending several weeks there for depression.

Does anyone have any tips on getting into a routine or used to home again? Perhaps you do from your own experience? I look forward to hearing from you!

[gayleggg]

I made a todo list with small doable tasks. I made them easy on purpose so I could feel like I accomplished something. I also went to bed at the same time and got up at the same time and ate three meals a day, even if they were small.

[fishin fool]

I wish I had some great advice but we are all so different.
For me it was not just about a daily routine but also making
sure I leave time for the things I love to do.
For me that is most important for well being.

[pirilin]

==============HUGS!!!==============

[lilypup]

Good for you.
I recommend you take it easy and don't expect too much of yourself.
Make a list of things you should do each day like brush your teeth, possible shower, maybe make your bed, etc.
Then make a list of two or three "extra" little things to get done. (Call a friend, clean out a drawer, pay a bill.)
I got good help from joining a bipolar support group.
Good luck to you.

[Crazy Hitch]

I usually take it one day at a time when I'm like that.

Survival mode.

Eat. Sleep. Work.

At scheduled times.

[hopeless2015]

I was hospitalized not too long ago myself, staying with my routine probably helped me the most

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[Wander]

I agree that keeping a strict routine is crucial. Along with not isolating yourself and doing things you enjoy. Do you have much support from family/friends? Lean on them if you do. It takes time to adjust. I am IP right now and will hopefully be getting discharged Wednesday, so I am currently working on a discharge plan to prevent me from relapsing. Doing all these things help immensely but as we all know sometimes BP can still swamp us even when we are doing all the right things. Still, it is better to be prepared.

If at all possible, ease yourself back into life slowly. It is an adjustment. Be gentle with yourself. You've come out of an environment where things were very much controlled and protected for you, where the decision-making was taken out of your hands for awhile so you could rest and get back on your feet again. It can be kind of overwhelming to jump right back into life again as if that time in the hospital didn't happen, so if you can start small and work back into your regular routine, that's best. It wasn't always an option for me, but when it was, the return home went much easier.

[Sliders]

Thanks to everyone who replied! I'm currently trying to figure out a routine. I am also in an OP program so that should be helpful during the week.

[raspberrytorte]

Lets see. When I get out of IP I take a week off of work to recover. That's important for me. I couldn't imagine getting out of the hospital and going back to work the next day! I always feel shaky and overwhelmed.

Anyway, week to recover and rest, and then it's back to work! Helps me anyway.

Wish you the best! Rest and take it easy. Hugs.

[Sliders]

Would love to hear from more of you! Thanks.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Hi Sliders.
Once after hospital, I established a daily routine with a gal I met in the hospital. She was also a professional,but a functioning alcoholic.
I'm not, but we agreed to go every day to an AA meeting.
Then when we got back we swam. An hour. Then jucuzzi.
It was good to be with her all day. She loved to talk.