Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
one thing my therapist has really helped me to do is to gain skills for self-nurturing and/or behavior activation.
Basically, it's pretty simple. I started making a list of things that make me happy and bring me peace, and I add to it whenever I think of something else.
When I start to slump into depression, I pull out the list, and I JUST DO some things from it.
some of the things work like behavior activation therapy ... like walking my dog, doing yoga, getting outside, listening to music, playing my piano ...
other things are just more soothing and nurturing ... shopping for books (long as I have the money and it won't throw me into debt!), reading a good book, taking a nice hot bath...
my list is about 20 items long.
has anyone else done this? What do YOU do to self-nurture and/or activate positive behavior?
Basically, it's pretty simple. I started making a list of things that make me happy and bring me peace, and I add to it whenever I think of something else.
When I start to slump into depression, I pull out the list, and I JUST DO some things from it.
some of the things work like behavior activation therapy ... like walking my dog, doing yoga, getting outside, listening to music, playing my piano ...
other things are just more soothing and nurturing ... shopping for books (long as I have the money and it won't throw me into debt!), reading a good book, taking a nice hot bath...
my list is about 20 items long.
has anyone else done this? What do YOU do to self-nurture and/or activate positive behavior?
-
theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
-
I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
i actually find cleaning therapeutic.
sometimes when i'm REALLY depressed, the list does no good. when i'm too far down, i can't even get up and LOOK at the list.
I use aromatherepy alot. I make up different synergys for different moods or things like stress, pain etc. Then they are ready at my fingertips when I need them. I love it and it helps me sooo much.
I make CD's for my different moods. Like relaxing ones for when I am anxious or stressed. And upbeat music when I am down. I use all my favorite music.
I agree with October - there are days that the list would go unread...
peace, t
My hppy things to do whe n I feel depressed are-
*Have a bubble bath.
*Light some scented candles.
*Ring my best friend for a five minute chat.
*Going or a brisk walk.
*Eating a packet of my fav crisps.
*Reading psychology books.
*Looking at my list of achievements.
The list goes on, but it really does work (better than any medication in my opinion. :)