[Victoria'smom]

I have a dog to help me know what's real. What things help you deal with your symptoms? Besides meds.

[CANDC]

Good for you. A dog can be a good help.

I have to watch what I eat because foods I eat can stabilize my moods or exaggerate them. A high protein low carb diet with snacks or meals every 3-4 hours will over time reduce my swings. I also avoid alcohol and recreational drugs because those can really increase depression.

Other lifestyle changes that help me are doing yoga, exercises, mindfulness, calm music, and being active on Psych Central.

Many people who are actively involved in Psych Central find it helps take them out of their own problems to develop empathy for others. And their problems though still there are more manageable.

Hmmm...I haven't tried any lifestyle changes since being diagnosed. However, I know that I should! There are things that help me feel better when I do them. I should do them more often such as: being in nature, exercising, eating a balanced diet. I'm reading about WRAP and maybe that will help me to pinpoint more ways that my lifestyle can be conducive to my health. I could sure use some changes.

[Blue_Bird]

I stay on a good sleep schedule, sleep at night and up during the day like I should be instead of being up all weird hours of the night and not sleeping. I think that's one of the most important things. I also feel better when I eat healthy, physically and mentally.

Yeah I second that Blue. I've finally gotten on a regular sleep schedule, and I realize now how important it is that I keep that regular sleep schedule.

[_C2_]

Tibetan Singing Bowls <-I listen to relaxation videos to sleep or for my anxiety. Most of the time it works. I do acupressure on myself and whenever I have a new problem I learn a new point. I'm trying to eat better and drink more water.