Looking After Yourself
Warning: The messages in this forum are the personal views and opinions of individuals. NEVER act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum without FIRST checking with your personal physician! Mood Tracker Web Media, LLC is not obligated to check forum postings for accuracy nor does it endorse the opinions of any person using the forum.
April 10, 2009 - 7:49 am
When I'm particularly manic, sometimes a get a twinge of knowing that I need to do something to look after myself that's calming so I can take a little bit of time down to "chill" before burning myself out.
That being said, when I'm manic, reading a book just doesn't do for downtime because it doesn't really cut it with my urges to do something active or engaging.
Then, when I'm particularly down, I need to do things that show love and care for myself to help ground me and hopefully ease the symptoms without turning to anything destructive.
-Baths are a good thing for me. It also has the added bonus of looking after my hygiene, which can be something that easily slips when something sets in. When I'm manic I might make it a point to shave a few things perfectly, and give myself a thorough scrub. If I'm feeling dissassociative, then a colder or hotter than normal bath can bring me back down to earth for a little while. When not feeling so great, I'll try to baby myself and make myself a smelly bubble bath, bring a book and escape for a bit.
-Unfortunately, when I'm anything but baseline my painting skill goes out the door (it's still unproven as to whether this is in my head or not) but writing is always good. Stream of conciousness stuff for manic, journalistic for depressed.
-I have a hand held push mower. Mowing my lawn is fun and tiring with that tiny thing, and gives me something to put my aggression into, while idling my mind for long enough to think properly if I'm lucky.
So, what do you do to occupy yourself when you're particularly one way or the other?
That being said, when I'm manic, reading a book just doesn't do for downtime because it doesn't really cut it with my urges to do something active or engaging.
Then, when I'm particularly down, I need to do things that show love and care for myself to help ground me and hopefully ease the symptoms without turning to anything destructive.
-Baths are a good thing for me. It also has the added bonus of looking after my hygiene, which can be something that easily slips when something sets in. When I'm manic I might make it a point to shave a few things perfectly, and give myself a thorough scrub. If I'm feeling dissassociative, then a colder or hotter than normal bath can bring me back down to earth for a little while. When not feeling so great, I'll try to baby myself and make myself a smelly bubble bath, bring a book and escape for a bit.
-Unfortunately, when I'm anything but baseline my painting skill goes out the door (it's still unproven as to whether this is in my head or not) but writing is always good. Stream of conciousness stuff for manic, journalistic for depressed.
-I have a hand held push mower. Mowing my lawn is fun and tiring with that tiny thing, and gives me something to put my aggression into, while idling my mind for long enough to think properly if I'm lucky.
So, what do you do to occupy yourself when you're particularly one way or the other?
Medications for April 2009
 |
|
When I'm particularly manic, sometimes a get a twinge of knowing that I need to do something to look after myself that's calming so I can take a little bit of time down to "chill" before burning myself out.
That being said, when I'm manic, reading a book just doesn't do for downtime because it doesn't really cut it with my urges to do something active or engaging.
Then, when I'm particularly down, I need to do things that show love and care for myself to help ground me and hopefully ease the symptoms without turning to anything destructive.
-Baths are a good thing for me. It also has the added bonus of looking after my hygiene, which can be something that easily slips when something sets in. When I'm manic I might make it a point to shave a few things perfectly, and give myself a thorough scrub. If I'm feeling dissassociative, then a colder or hotter than normal bath can bring me back down to earth for a little while. When not feeling so great, I'll try to baby myself and make myself a smelly bubble bath, bring a book and escape for a bit.
-Unfortunately, when I'm anything but baseline my painting skill goes out the door (it's still unproven as to whether this is in my head or not) but writing is always good. Stream of conciousness stuff for manic, journalistic for depressed.
-I have a hand held push mower. Mowing my lawn is fun and tiring with that tiny thing, and gives me something to put my aggression into, while idling my mind for long enough to think properly if I'm lucky.
So, what do you do to occupy yourself when you're particularly one way or the other?
That being said, when I'm manic, reading a book just doesn't do for downtime because it doesn't really cut it with my urges to do something active or engaging.
Then, when I'm particularly down, I need to do things that show love and care for myself to help ground me and hopefully ease the symptoms without turning to anything destructive.
-Baths are a good thing for me. It also has the added bonus of looking after my hygiene, which can be something that easily slips when something sets in. When I'm manic I might make it a point to shave a few things perfectly, and give myself a thorough scrub. If I'm feeling dissassociative, then a colder or hotter than normal bath can bring me back down to earth for a little while. When not feeling so great, I'll try to baby myself and make myself a smelly bubble bath, bring a book and escape for a bit.
-Unfortunately, when I'm anything but baseline my painting skill goes out the door (it's still unproven as to whether this is in my head or not) but writing is always good. Stream of conciousness stuff for manic, journalistic for depressed.
-I have a hand held push mower. Mowing my lawn is fun and tiring with that tiny thing, and gives me something to put my aggression into, while idling my mind for long enough to think properly if I'm lucky.
So, what do you do to occupy yourself when you're particularly one way or the other?
Medications for April 2009
|
|
April 10, 2009 - 1:26 pm
Total Posts: 146
Joined: 01-04-2009
Joined: 01-04-2009
Mrs Thompson: Hi, welcome to the forum. Some things I like to do: Well, if its summer I garden and do yard work. If its winter--and we have a lot of winter in northern MN, I clean house--not enjoyable but it sometimes takes the edge off. If I can wrench my brain out of the hyper state, I do my hobbies like sewing or cross stich but sometimes I just can't make the transition out of hyper to do it. My PDOC says thats because my brain transmitters are a bit screwy and thats also why sometimes trying to move out of a hyper (or hypomanic) state actually causes a psychic hurt.
Recently, my meds hit the point of effectiveness where I can read again--and I thank God everyday for that because that is a big help for me.
Recently, my meds hit the point of effectiveness where I can read again--and I thank God everyday for that because that is a big help for me.
Mrs Thompson: Hi, welcome to the forum. Some things I like to do: Well, if its summer I garden and do yard work. If its winter--and we have a lot of winter in northern MN, I clean house--not enjoyable but it sometimes takes the edge off. If I can wrench my brain out of the hyper state, I do my hobbies like sewing or cross stich but sometimes I just can't make the transition out of hyper to do it. My PDOC says thats because my brain transmitters are a bit screwy and thats also why sometimes trying to move out of a hyper (or hypomanic) state actually causes a psychic hurt.
Recently, my meds hit the point of effectiveness where I can read again--and I thank God everyday for that because that is a big help for me.
Recently, my meds hit the point of effectiveness where I can read again--and I thank God everyday for that because that is a big help for me.
April 10, 2009 - 3:31 pm
Total Posts: 203
Joined: 01-27-2009
Joined: 01-27-2009
Mrs. Thompson
When I'm manic or hyper manic (I'm BP1) I become obsessive. I write books and dance ALOT. When I'm depressive i usually lay in bed listening to up beat music or force myself to get up and talk with my family.
I live way out in the boondocks and have no friends I can talk to so I mostly have to try to handle everything with just myself, my hubby( when he's home which isn't often right now) and my two kids.
I check this forum often no matter what mood I'm in. It's a life line for me to know that other people do exist.
The things I try not to do when manic are talk to strangers (if I do they will know my whole life story in ten minutes), Drive or go anywhere near my guns. I get suicidal whether manic or depressed.
If I'm just hyper manic but not too bad off I dance to a fast song then choose a slower one next then slower and slower. It helps me get rid of the jitters and slow myself down.
When i'm baseline, which I am most of the time now, I can't write. I've tried writing books at baseline and they all fall flat.
I always limit my TV time because i tend to become angry at the tv.
That's about it. not much of a plan but so far so good.
When I'm manic or hyper manic (I'm BP1) I become obsessive. I write books and dance ALOT. When I'm depressive i usually lay in bed listening to up beat music or force myself to get up and talk with my family.
I live way out in the boondocks and have no friends I can talk to so I mostly have to try to handle everything with just myself, my hubby( when he's home which isn't often right now) and my two kids.
I check this forum often no matter what mood I'm in. It's a life line for me to know that other people do exist.
The things I try not to do when manic are talk to strangers (if I do they will know my whole life story in ten minutes), Drive or go anywhere near my guns. I get suicidal whether manic or depressed.
If I'm just hyper manic but not too bad off I dance to a fast song then choose a slower one next then slower and slower. It helps me get rid of the jitters and slow myself down.
When i'm baseline, which I am most of the time now, I can't write. I've tried writing books at baseline and they all fall flat.
I always limit my TV time because i tend to become angry at the tv.
That's about it. not much of a plan but so far so good.
Mrs. Thompson
When I'm manic or hyper manic (I'm BP1) I become obsessive. I write books and dance ALOT. When I'm depressive i usually lay in bed listening to up beat music or force myself to get up and talk with my family.
I live way out in the boondocks and have no friends I can talk to so I mostly have to try to handle everything with just myself, my hubby( when he's home which isn't often right now) and my two kids.
I check this forum often no matter what mood I'm in. It's a life line for me to know that other people do exist.
The things I try not to do when manic are talk to strangers (if I do they will know my whole life story in ten minutes), Drive or go anywhere near my guns. I get suicidal whether manic or depressed.
If I'm just hyper manic but not too bad off I dance to a fast song then choose a slower one next then slower and slower. It helps me get rid of the jitters and slow myself down.
When i'm baseline, which I am most of the time now, I can't write. I've tried writing books at baseline and they all fall flat.
I always limit my TV time because i tend to become angry at the tv.
That's about it. not much of a plan but so far so good.
When I'm manic or hyper manic (I'm BP1) I become obsessive. I write books and dance ALOT. When I'm depressive i usually lay in bed listening to up beat music or force myself to get up and talk with my family.
I live way out in the boondocks and have no friends I can talk to so I mostly have to try to handle everything with just myself, my hubby( when he's home which isn't often right now) and my two kids.
I check this forum often no matter what mood I'm in. It's a life line for me to know that other people do exist.
The things I try not to do when manic are talk to strangers (if I do they will know my whole life story in ten minutes), Drive or go anywhere near my guns. I get suicidal whether manic or depressed.
If I'm just hyper manic but not too bad off I dance to a fast song then choose a slower one next then slower and slower. It helps me get rid of the jitters and slow myself down.
When i'm baseline, which I am most of the time now, I can't write. I've tried writing books at baseline and they all fall flat.
I always limit my TV time because i tend to become angry at the tv.
That's about it. not much of a plan but so far so good.
April 10, 2009 - 3:34 pm
Total Posts: 203
Joined: 01-27-2009
Joined: 01-27-2009
Of course I meant Hypo not Hyper manic. I didn't catch the goof until after I posted. Oops. LOL
Of course I meant Hypo not Hyper manic. I didn't catch the goof until after I posted. Oops. LOL
April 11, 2009 - 9:36 am
Total Posts: 52
Joined: 03-31-2009
Joined: 03-31-2009
During my most recent epsidoe (which is manic) the #1 way I got help was by going to a psychiatrist.
I know people typically don't seek help while they are going through mania. I've been treated for depression since I was 14. When I started sleeping for 6 or less hours and cleaning the whole house and noticed that I couldn't...stop...talking....I knew something was up. So instead of having my suspicions...I know I'm bipolar.
I'll take walks. I'll draw. Fold laundry. Do yoga. Read. Write. Call friends and family.
When I get depressed I typically just shut down.
I know people typically don't seek help while they are going through mania. I've been treated for depression since I was 14. When I started sleeping for 6 or less hours and cleaning the whole house and noticed that I couldn't...stop...talking....I knew something was up. So instead of having my suspicions...I know I'm bipolar.
I'll take walks. I'll draw. Fold laundry. Do yoga. Read. Write. Call friends and family.
When I get depressed I typically just shut down.
Medications for April 2009
|
|
During my most recent epsidoe (which is manic) the #1 way I got help was by going to a psychiatrist.
I know people typically don't seek help while they are going through mania. I've been treated for depression since I was 14. When I started sleeping for 6 or less hours and cleaning the whole house and noticed that I couldn't...stop...talking....I knew something was up. So instead of having my suspicions...I know I'm bipolar.
I'll take walks. I'll draw. Fold laundry. Do yoga. Read. Write. Call friends and family.
When I get depressed I typically just shut down.
I know people typically don't seek help while they are going through mania. I've been treated for depression since I was 14. When I started sleeping for 6 or less hours and cleaning the whole house and noticed that I couldn't...stop...talking....I knew something was up. So instead of having my suspicions...I know I'm bipolar.
I'll take walks. I'll draw. Fold laundry. Do yoga. Read. Write. Call friends and family.
When I get depressed I typically just shut down.
Medications for April 2009
|
|
April 16, 2009 - 2:10 am
Total Posts: 3
Joined: 03-29-2009
Joined: 03-29-2009
Stealing from a thread on a facebook group I'm in:
-go for a walk/play with my dog
-write it down, make some art, (let it out!)
-bash some drums. wiz & chemical bins are great for this
-talk it out with someone awesome. it helps if i've explained to them what anxiety or whatever is for me and things that help beforehand
-when i get down i think of basic shit i haven't done, e.g my washing, cleaning my room or whatever, sometimes it helps me to sort out some of the physical things
-hugs, spooning, hand holding
-a baseball bat and a really hardy lounge/something to bash around a bit
-gardening. keep my hands busy. play guitar, sing, scream. create amazing things
* going on a bike ride & listening to good riding music ie. julie ruin
* a visit to the gallery/library/museum
* band prac/having a jam......making music
* making a lovely cup of tea!
* visit/talk to a friend/ loved one
* good old fashioned baking
* sewing
* zineplanning
* painting/going out on a adventure with my camera
* thrifting
* reading,....anything to take your mind off stuff
-go for a walk/play with my dog
-write it down, make some art, (let it out!)
-bash some drums. wiz & chemical bins are great for this
-talk it out with someone awesome. it helps if i've explained to them what anxiety or whatever is for me and things that help beforehand
-when i get down i think of basic shit i haven't done, e.g my washing, cleaning my room or whatever, sometimes it helps me to sort out some of the physical things
-hugs, spooning, hand holding
-a baseball bat and a really hardy lounge/something to bash around a bit
-gardening. keep my hands busy. play guitar, sing, scream. create amazing things
* going on a bike ride & listening to good riding music ie. julie ruin
* a visit to the gallery/library/museum
* band prac/having a jam......making music
* making a lovely cup of tea!
* visit/talk to a friend/ loved one
* good old fashioned baking
* sewing
* zineplanning
* painting/going out on a adventure with my camera
* thrifting
* reading,....anything to take your mind off stuff
Stealing from a thread on a facebook group I'm in:
-go for a walk/play with my dog
-write it down, make some art, (let it out!)
-bash some drums. wiz & chemical bins are great for this
-talk it out with someone awesome. it helps if i've explained to them what anxiety or whatever is for me and things that help beforehand
-when i get down i think of basic shit i haven't done, e.g my washing, cleaning my room or whatever, sometimes it helps me to sort out some of the physical things
-hugs, spooning, hand holding
-a baseball bat and a really hardy lounge/something to bash around a bit
-gardening. keep my hands busy. play guitar, sing, scream. create amazing things
* going on a bike ride & listening to good riding music ie. julie ruin
* a visit to the gallery/library/museum
* band prac/having a jam......making music
* making a lovely cup of tea!
* visit/talk to a friend/ loved one
* good old fashioned baking
* sewing
* zineplanning
* painting/going out on a adventure with my camera
* thrifting
* reading,....anything to take your mind off stuff
-go for a walk/play with my dog
-write it down, make some art, (let it out!)
-bash some drums. wiz & chemical bins are great for this
-talk it out with someone awesome. it helps if i've explained to them what anxiety or whatever is for me and things that help beforehand
-when i get down i think of basic shit i haven't done, e.g my washing, cleaning my room or whatever, sometimes it helps me to sort out some of the physical things
-hugs, spooning, hand holding
-a baseball bat and a really hardy lounge/something to bash around a bit
-gardening. keep my hands busy. play guitar, sing, scream. create amazing things
* going on a bike ride & listening to good riding music ie. julie ruin
* a visit to the gallery/library/museum
* band prac/having a jam......making music
* making a lovely cup of tea!
* visit/talk to a friend/ loved one
* good old fashioned baking
* sewing
* zineplanning
* painting/going out on a adventure with my camera
* thrifting
* reading,....anything to take your mind off stuff
April 16, 2009 - 2:58 pm
Total Posts: 52
Joined: 03-31-2009
Joined: 03-31-2009
Mrs Thompson, I love some of those!
The baseball bat made me think of something.
I work in a computer repair shop. We have close to 500 old, nearly broken keyboards laying around the office. When I get particularlly irritable I like to go into the bathroom, close the door, and just go to town on the keyboard. Its pretty easy to relieve stress.
I work with my husband and his best friend, so they are very aware of what I deal with.
The baseball bat made me think of something.
I work in a computer repair shop. We have close to 500 old, nearly broken keyboards laying around the office. When I get particularlly irritable I like to go into the bathroom, close the door, and just go to town on the keyboard. Its pretty easy to relieve stress.
I work with my husband and his best friend, so they are very aware of what I deal with.
Mrs Thompson, I love some of those!
The baseball bat made me think of something.
I work in a computer repair shop. We have close to 500 old, nearly broken keyboards laying around the office. When I get particularlly irritable I like to go into the bathroom, close the door, and just go to town on the keyboard. Its pretty easy to relieve stress.
I work with my husband and his best friend, so they are very aware of what I deal with.
The baseball bat made me think of something.
I work in a computer repair shop. We have close to 500 old, nearly broken keyboards laying around the office. When I get particularlly irritable I like to go into the bathroom, close the door, and just go to town on the keyboard. Its pretty easy to relieve stress.
I work with my husband and his best friend, so they are very aware of what I deal with.
Joined: 03-29-2009