[Blaire]

I feel myself slowing down. My mood is definitely following its natural cycle. I'm slowing down and withdrawing, it's kind of a fading away feeling. Some online friends have already asked where I've gone because I just don't feel like talking. I just want to come home, close the blinds, lock the doors, and hide under a blanket. I don't hate myself yet, so that's a plus, but the thoughts that pop into my head are progressively more and more negative. Hoping I can manage this one well and remember that the things I'm thinking are symptoms, not the truth.

I will be seeing my therapist next week and pdoc in a couple of weeks. Her solution to depression is to increase my Lamictal, which works for a while, but I don't want to keep upping it all the time. I only use that strategy when it gets really bad and I need something to pull me out long enough to get my feet under me.

I need to focus on taking proper care of myself and having good insight. I have a bad habit of wallowing and not being proactive. Not fighting the negative thoughts. I get so overwhelmed, and I don't have good strategies for making my life manageable when I'm depressed. Something I need to work on.

[MusicLover82]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way.

Make sure you're getting plenty of exercise. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be as effective as an antidepressant in some studies. Do you have a friend who you could exercise with? Knowing my workout buddy will be there helps me get out of bed and to make it to the gym in the mornings. Try swimming if it's too hot to do anything else. There are a lot of exercises you can do in the water, and it's very refreshing. Just some ideas.

Take care of yourself! I hope you feel better soon.

[~Christina]

Best advice I ever learned was do the exact opposite of what you want to do.

Put yourself on a very strict schedule ..

Get out of bed and make it, so that might hinder you getting back in before bed time.

Go outside , stay out after you get off work, coffee shop, bookstore etc,

Basically kick claw ad fight like hell to keep your head above water . Meds can only do so much.

Basically get pissed off at Bipolar and often that anger will benefit you .

Feel better

[Spaceyspace]

Do you like to do anything creative? I find having some art supplies and doing some projects helps because meds are just part of the puzzle. Honestly even those adult coloring books can get my mind off the negative thoughts for a bit. I always tell myself I'm going to do yoga again so if I suggested that I'd be a hypocrite, but it's good, I swear