How do you handle life’s hardships

So I just wanna know how others deal with life’s hardships. I am currently still recovering from a major episode and I haven’t bounced back like I usually do. I haven’t been able to land a job I can’t seem to muster up the will to consistently go to the gym so I just lay around in my room all day and I’m depressed. My life is becoming a hardship that I know if I wasn’t bipolar I’d conquer. I just feel so defeated by my mental illness and it’s backlashes. Any input would help thank you.

I keep working until I find a med that works and keep in touch with a therapist. And I try to do nice things for myself and others.

I think visiting this site is a good idea. Talking to others and breaking through your isolation is a really good coping skill.

I came on here recently because I also deal with continual over-whelm. You do have to put together a plan of everything you can do to help you cope until things get better.

In my state we have a good crisis hotline service. I call them when I feel over-whelmed. They help me find ways to cope from moment to moment. They aren't there to resolve the big issues...but just to lend support.

Yeah, I agree that it is really frustrating to not meet one's goals because of mental health issues. For me it has been life-long and I am just going to agree with you that it is extremely depressing. I used to bounce back but now I am not as resilient.

I would say Number One is put together as many coping skills as possible. Right now I am working on increasing fitness levels. I think this is a great goal. If I can't do anything else...in the meantime...I can increase my level of fitness, which, in turn, makes everything easier. You might have to force yourself to get started. But getting out of bed and getting to the gym would be a fantastic way to cope. Good luck.

Finally, some acceptance is good. We can't change who we are. Many people have problems and succeed. I think self-acceptance is big...then go from there...do what makes you feel better. Every tiny step in the right direction is a success.

Easiest way to think about it ... do the opposite of what you want to do

Stay in bed get up and make the bed
Don’t want to budge off the couch go take a walk anyway
Keep a strict sleep schedule

Just keep doing the opposite of what you want to do.

Hope things improve.

Take a look at my signature.

Cheers.

I’m a planner by nature. When things go wrong in my family and friend’s lives they always look to me for a plan. When I’m coming out of an episode, I make a plan. These plans always start with baby steps. I had a bad episode last year and the only thing I put on my list was to walk to the end of the driveway each day to get the mail and newspapers. It became easier after a few days and I added another thing. Before I knew it, I was making real progress.

Wishing you well in overcoming your hardships.

I went to the learning access center at my college the other day and the person helping me said something interesting: do 5 minutes of something. Even if you don't feel like it is enough, the act of doing it for 5 minutes eases the pressure off of having to do the whole thing, since you already started (for example, homework). I'm still really struggling with this myself, to be honest, but hopefully this advice could be of use to you as well.

I'm so sorry you're struggling, Goals2017 It's hard to cope and get motivated when you have MI. I can relate to your struggles. I'm sure many others can relate, too. I'd advice to start with something simple (eating breakfast, taking a shower) and see how it goes from there. Take baby steps. I also think it would be useful to have some coping skills to help you during these episodes. Do you see a therapist? I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of this

I run and run and run, too much really. Like I can outrun my problems.

Great advice from Christina (opposite action).

I'd add that I try not to view things overly-much through the BP lens. Sure, I have BP, but I am so much more. So are you.

Christina's advice is really great, I agree! Also being kind and practicing self care even when your thoughts tell you you do not deserve it, and not isolating when you want to most. Those are hard ones for me. <3