[dsmith]

Does anyone else find themselves stuck in the past? From roughly June 2015 – September 2016, I was in the throes of an incredibly destructive manic episode. I did eventually come out of it, but now find myself mired in crippling depression.

I now drive down the street, or come across old emails / Facebook posts in the “On this Day” feed. It’s like a bad accident that I keep rubber-necking: oddly disturbing, but yet I can’t look away.

I know I need to focus on the present and plan for the future. However, this addiction to the past has got me in its clutches, and I struggle to break free.

Anyone else have this problem, and if so, what’s the solution?

Yes I've been there. When depressed this is part of my self destruct mode. Seek out what hurts and live there. I deactivate my Facebook a lot. I can't handle the "on this day" app but I won't look away. I'll also look up old friends and stuff too. Its awful. So avoiding Facebook helps. As for real life reminders I conciously made an effort to think of anything else. I avoided triggering streets when I could. Anything to stop the reminders. I don't know if thus helps, but I do feel for you.

[~Christina]

Gah yes Facebook Memories

I travel the road often. Today was a reminder that 7 years ago i was getting sutures. But I try to be kind to myself. whether I was up or down i have said or did something that usually hurt me not others.. Hense the being kind.

I hope your depression lifts very soon, Bipolar has so many sucky parts.

[xRavenx]

I don't have a Facebook, but I can still relate to feeling stuck in the past. There's some things I really haven't "gotten over," regardless of people telling me to move on from different things. Depression makes me feel even more stuck, and as if I am on a merry-go-round.

I wish there was an exact solution. As far as the above suggestion regarding de-activating that feature on Facebook, that sounds like a really good idea. Now, I am especially glad that I do not have a Facebook to be honest, because that sounds as if it would be very unhealthy for me or anyone with similar problems regarding this issue. Knowing your triggers and doing anything you can to avoid them or at least distract yourself from them could help. Coming up with a new routine might be necessary in some cases. This might help take your attention away from looking at past things that trigger. Watching new things, listening to new music, exploring new hobbies...this can be easier said than done, but the more you fill your time with new things, the more it might shift your focus away from the past.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy might be helpful to you as far as turning your attention away from unhealthy habits related to staying "stuck in the past" and can help a person develop healthier patterns. There are even handouts online. I wish I could be of more help....I know it's hard.

[Guiness187055]

I am stuck in the past with all the good things that I messed up. I have a hard time forgiving myself even though I know it was due to mania. Still I can't help to think what might have been if I had been on meds.