[Cdnstargazer]

Coming to terms with mental illness. I thought of starting a comic strip for ways of working through my BPD and bipolar. Even if I don't publish it... I think it could be therapeutic.

Does anyone use creative ways to work through things?

[mindwrench]

I like to build things when I can get motivated and focus on it. Today I built something functional for the house. For those five or so hours that it took, I wasn't thinking so much about other things. I think anything that can hold your attention, and effectively distract you especially if it's positive or constructive is a great thing.

[jtassar93]

I use music. No matter where I am I have my music with me. And listen to it at the computer as well.

[BipolaRNurse]

I turn to my blog. I've been able to work through a LOT of things by analyzing them in my posts, and I usually discover the answers when I go back through old ones, which I do frequently.

[xRavenx]

I like journaling, tracking my mood, and music/analyzing lyrics that reflect my feelings. Through these means, I feel I'm a little more self-aware, and they definitely serve as good outlets.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Yep. Guitar helps me. My SO (she's the one with bipolar) used to find art (drawing) helpful but she stopped a while back. :\ Can't get her to pick it back up. Shame, because she's really quite skilled.

[Bigmike727]

I like to do 3d graphical designs when I have the free time. I use Autodesk 3ds Max and Photoshop for textures. Like my doc told me before alot of people with BP are very skilled in the design or musical arts. Mind you I can't draw a decent pic to save my life lol, but give me some good reference photos and I can concoct anything in Max and Photoshop. Funny how life works, before I started my 3d design hobby, I never considered myself artistic, but shows you how wrong you can be about yourself lol. I ain't the best but it ain't too bad either.

[Moose72]

I blog and listen to music too.

[gina_re]

Journaling
Music
And putting puzzles together, it's relaxing and distracting. Couldn't get into the adult coloring trend.

[VerMOZZica]

I really love music.I also like to draw and do arts and crafts.I also enjoy cooking and baking and I have a couple of blogs I sometimes write in.

[Rabbity9]

I'm an art therapist and definitely got into the field because of how much making art has helped me with negative feelings. I can get lost in a painting for hours, and at the end I find that the gloom has lifted, at least a bit. I see my patients, mostly suicidal teens, start group looking sullen and I can watch their moods brighten as they work. It's not a cure, but it's a fantastic coping skill.

[Unrigged64072835]

I enjoy photography. I used to write poetry but that Muse hasn't visited in quite a while.

I choose not to come to terms with my mental illness, opting instead to wallow in guilt, self-hatred, and regrets. It has worked for me so far.

[Cocosurviving]

Originally Posted by Lefty the Salesman

I choose not to come to terms with my mental illness, opting instead to wallow in guilt, self-hatred, and regrets. It has worked for me so far.

I was there for quite some time. Then I started therapy to focus on "why me". Then I moved out of state and found another therapist and focused on "ok I have bp1 how do I accept it and live with it"? It took me a year then I was ok. I still have days I slip back only when I'm depressed. I think about just the good times I had when I was symptom free which was quite a long time. I was not even diagnosed. I hope the best for you

[Spaceyspace]

I like mixed media collaging, and some painiting. It's a release to express what words cannot say.