Hanna, I am in the same boat. Once my kids get off get off to school I feel lost on what to do with my time. Last week I voluteered at my son's school for their book fair. I surprised myself I made it through it. I was thinking about doing some more volunteer work up at school helping out his teacher. It felt so good just getting out of the house a few hours a couple days out of the week.

Could that be an option for you?

I would say yes normally, but I've been in an anti-social funk lately. I don't think I could make it through with the facade. Thanks so much for the suggestions though Bluefly!

I know exactly what you mean Hanna. After I said I would do it, I was like Oh shit, what if I can't just do it and don't want to be around people. Anxiety hit. I finally stopped anticipating what it would be like and I made it through, like I said i surprised the hell out of myself. Anticipation over social situations kill me, that's why I haven't called his teacher yet. lol

I'll try and think of some other things for you, because believe me I can so relate to what you are going through. Hugs.

dont no im in same boat so lets rock the boat but dont rock the boat over shhhhhhhhhh have peeps shouting out im manic lol its hard im use to being active was coach driver but had licence rvocked for 3years now got to figure out what to do with all so much time on me hands sure something good will cum soon glad to here blue fly likes to give of herself thats great no ideas sorry maybe study or go on sum kind of course think thats what im gonna do kev

Hanna, when we feel like this, it is so much easier to go with it, talk ourselves out of doing things than it is to do them. I find this true for me every single day lately. It takes alot of mental work, but I make a small schedule and I stick to it. It has to include exercise every day if nothing else.

I agree with Bluefly, we sometimes anticipate too much and it causes us anxiety. Even if you are in an antisocial mood, force yourself to get dressed, fix your hair, and go out, if only to Wally world to pick up a notebook to keep notes in. It is important that we avoid being a recluse and that is easy to do making excuses for ourselves. I say this in a loving way cuz I have been there so many times.

Asking what to do and doing them are two different things. We have to "make" ourselves do that which we dont want to by will. It isnt always possible and I have thought that many times, but surprised myself when I forced myself to do it.

Make a schedule of one thing to accomplish every day other than making dinner. With each day, you may be more motivated by what you accomplish. For me, the "getting out" is the most important even if I just walk around the block or take a drive, or run to the grocery.

I feel the most unmotivated once my kids go back to school even thought they are much older, but that is when I need to work the hardest to get my butt going and I dread every minute of it.

You have a choice "SIT" or "MOVE". Sitting isnt working for you right now, so try moving. Luv ya girl. Hugs

Thanks Kev, I don't think I can afford a class right now, but I am going to a live BP support group once a week...and I have my tdoc today.

You're right Shelly. SIT or MOVE....those are my only options. I know I'll at least get out for a little while, having my tdoc today. Maybe I'll try to make it to the store and pick something up for myself. I have some housework that NEEDS to be done, I don't know how much I'll get done, but I'll do something.

shelly i think your awsome seem so head strong and your so good with advice nice to no you are here bless you

Shelly I like your advise. I am in much the same boat as HH but have forced myself to work on my 12 step program each day as part of my routine reading, journaling and even calling people. I feel so much better for having forced myself to do these things.

Maybe you can volunteer at your kids school or elsewhere. Pick up some hobbies-crafting, reading; maybe there's some person support groups you can join. I hope this helps:)

One time a nurse at the hospital told me to break up my chores into itty bitty pieces. Like, clean the bathroom mirrors. Then go relax. Maybe later do the toilets. Set a timer and fold laundry for five minutes. Then go stare out the window. Unload the dishwasher, but don't reload it, go take a nap.

This is really useful to me, because I have those "cannot move days" myself. A lot. Sometimes I will wash the throw rugs one day but not vacuum till the next day and not put them back down till the day after that. I can run laundry all day long but folding it and putting it away is CRIPPLING for me so my boyfriend folds it all, puts his away and leaves mine folded for me to put away. When I am up to cooking, I make double and freeze half for when I absolutely cannot cook. Or, he does something really simple like grilling chicken or hamburgers and a frozen vegetable.

He understands that I need help, and he's really ok about giving it. Sometimes I feel really guilty because he's doing way more than his share, but, he knew what I was before he signed on. And, I more than make up for it, LOL, during those times when the freaking *driveway* is sparkling clean because I've been on a hypo or a manic. (Actually I cook and freeze a lot during those times. Make your disorder work for you.)

Hugs sweetie. You can get through it.

My dear friend welcome to my world. I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you. I too am disabled because of BP and this spring/summer my wife and I stayed busy with gardening but now during the winter this comes to an end. I do volunteer at the Greenville Humane Society with pet therapy during the winter. We take pups to the nursing homes but this is only one day a week.

Thanks so much everyone for your replies!

Halter, you've got one great tdoc for telling you to do it like that! I might even be able to handle that.

I will try to just accomplish 1 thing per day....even though I haven't averaged that much lately, I'll pick it up and try to get some things done.

So far today I've gone to the tdoc and tried to get some Rx coverage (unsuccessfully though). Looks like it might be back to the drawing board with my medications. Yuck!

Thank you all again!

have you thought about going to or forming a bipolar support group in your area-i'm kind of in the same boat as you-good luck!

I am definitely in the same boat. My SIT or MOVE is mostly sit as I sit right here at this computer the biggest part of the day. I usually do the dishes and cook supper now that I have got back into the knack of doing it. I do get out and go even though I have to force myself. I take my daughter to and from school. Go to grocery, etc. Just some things I need to do. If there is something I don't feel like doing, hubby is glad to do it for me or with me whichever I can muster. I am not the best to stick to a schedule or a list. SIGH.

I try to tackle one item of housework a day, usually only takes 30 minutes or less to clean a room in my house. i don't try to do it all at once. and if someone doesn't like the way my house looks they can clean it for me.

i also try to do 2 or 3 loads of laundry a day, some days i do none

i reward myself by doing a craft that i enjoy or watching a movie that i love or spend some time on here

i'm a stay at home mom too and the days get to be long when you are by yourself