[gubernova]

I have recently cycled out of a six-year depressive episode into Mania. I can control the mania because I have certain safeguards implemented like going to sleep at a certain time, no drugs, no sexual encounters with women (my biggest weakness), setting up a budget, and exercise. Everything is going great but I feel scared all the time of going back to a depressive cycle. Any advice on how to squash this fear. I occasionally check in with my therapist and psychiatrist to get my prescription medication. I’m just afraid of turning into a vegetable again.

It sounds like you are doing many things to prevent a long and more severe manic episode. I think that's crucial to preventing a fall back to depression. Resist any temptations to egg it on and if it does escalate, call your psychiatrist right away or ask those close to you to push you to do so.

Mindfulness is a helpful skill to keeping balance, along with grounding techniques. Enjoy the moments. Let that push catastrophizing out of your mind. Catch yourself when catastrophizing and say "No!" Occupy yourself in pleasurable activities, but ones that encourage balance. You seem to already know some that ignite mania. Keep avoiding those.

[EmeraldTurtle]

I am so sorry that your episode of depression lasted so long. I can imagine that must have felt interminible! I experience similar fear when I am in a more stable place. I think it’s normal. When you ha e been in a terrifying episode, whether depression or mania, it’s scary to think that you could ever go back there again. I think that talking it out with your herapist and getting some strategies in place for if you feel yourself sliding back into depression could be empowering. I hope that you keep feeling better.