My therapist wants me to write down how I *physically* feel on a daily basis. She says that people with mood disorders in general tend to have physical symptoms leading up to a mood swing. Like, you can predict a mood swing based on headaches, body aches, odd sensations, etc etc.. So she says that if you understand how your body feels and you notice a sudden or gradual change in physical feeling, there is a chance a mood swing could be starting up. And at that point, you can figure out what types of physical symptoms to watch out for.

Anyone try journaling like this before?

[raspberrytorte]

No. But it sounds interesting. Maybe I'll try it.

[Moose72]

Just what's in my normal bipolar journal.

[Wild Coyote]

Yes. I've done daily journaling which had a format to include many factors, including sleep, mood, stress levels, physical and other factors. It was very helpful in my beginning to recognize trends. (I had made my own format and adjusted it as I'd eventually changed it up some.) I'd kept it going for 2 years straight, in order to see/confirm trends. I recommend this approach.


WC

[CF17]

I was thinking about it today!!!

Something I have noticed is, although I have a good diet and control over food on a daily basis, when I'm hopeless or too anxious, I start feeling extremely hungry, and nothing I eat is enough. When I find myself eating my entire kitchen (even stuff that I don't normally enjoy) out of anxiety I know something specific is really not right at the moment.

That is a good suggestion, I'm going to restart writing about those feelings and the specific situation that might be the cause of it.


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be well!