[Jennyanydots]

Do you ever feel like if you get too involved with too many creative projects, it would trigger an episode? I have severe bipolar (on the spectrum) and my sister is a social worker and I told her that I don't really do any creative things anymore like painting or creative projects because I'm afraid it will trigger an episode. When I do make art or start a project, I can get consumed by it. I'm almost 40 (had my first episode almost 10 years ago) and I'm afraid to start new projects around art or just taking on too many projects around the house at once. Do any of you feel the same way?

Hi Jennyanydots. Sometimes I do feel the same way, but I don't always know what comes first. All of the projects or mood elevation. Well, I do think I sometimes do need the mood elevation to get into numerous projects, and I know that excitement fuels my mania.

In either of the case above, sometimes I do have many days when I'm "up" that I'm flittering all around and could come up with a list of numerous accomplishments in a given day. Other times, I seem to hyperfocus on one project, and the whole world seems to be missing around me. Hours and hours pass. Phones could ring, and I don't hear them. Appointments can be easily missed.

I'll admit that I do seem to function best, nowadays, when I only have a few minor projects. Sometimes if I add even just one more, it's like it causes a precariously standing structure of dominos to suddenly fall. Or would a "Jenga house" be a better example?