Emotional Rut sounds rough, I hope your day gets better as the day goes on.

I hope this day or however many days it happens to be eases very quickly. I know that life can take us on many turns and bumps in the road and it feels amplified with this Illness....but stay open to the possibilities that a new horizon is there. Big ((((hugs)))) my friend.

I totally get tired of it. And you are exactly correct in redirecting your thoughts. Acknowledge that it sucks. And acknowledge that you are doing a great job in managing it. Hope your day gets better!

"Tired" is but one of the nicer terms I use for ^it^. I get that feeling often enough to create new and ever more colorful terms for ^it^. My dictionary of Terms for ^It^ might be bigger than Daniel Webster's original English language dictionary. (For those who are not old enough to know, a dictionary is what we used way back when people were smarter than phones.)

Gentle empathy, Melise. It do get weary. . .

For what it's worth, appreciation exercises are my most effective therapy tool during my weariest moments. e.g. Find three things in my immediate surroundings worthy of appreciation.

1) Great weather today.
2) The paint I just finished putting up looks great.
3) My support dog loves me enough to breathe paint fumes with me.

Oh Melise, I know the feeling. It's terribly hard to fight and fight and fight. I have to agree with everyone - appreciation and knowing you're fighting the GOOD fight often provides a bit of comfort. Big, gentle hugs, Melise. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

And Inkspring - so good you are able to communicate your feelings - that's the ticket. I wish you comfort and gentle hugs. Tomorrow is another day - a better day, I hope.

Big hug for you sweetie.... I have these feelings when I'm headed into a depression so I monitor myself for a bit to make sure that it isn't ongoing

I think there are some feelings that people in general can have and I think anyone can feel weary now and then..... I hope you feel better soon.....xo

Thank you all for your replies. SunCloud, you are so right. I get like this usually when I'm about to get depressed. If I guard my thoughts well, I can avoid sinking into the depression most of the time. I guess I have to be thankful I can usually do that--not everyone has learned how. I guess I've got to turn the table around and look for the good things bipolar has given me. #1-my husband and I have gotten closer #2-I feel more empathy for people who are struggling, especially with mental illness or illness in general. #3-I feel things deeply, my range of emotions is wider than the average person. This can also be seen as a curse but I've got to turn it around and see the blessing it can be. Any other ideas how bipolar is a blessing?

I think we are super heros. (No, I am not manic today.)

But think about it, we have these minds that we are at odds with on a regular basis. And we are all trying to learn and develop coping skills that better our lives. Not only cope, but we also must be high functioning with the general population. And each day that we "win" the "battle" (of our minds) is a successful day. (And those that don't' are not by any means weak)

I don't think the every day person (without any mental illness and/or trauma) has that kind of mental fortitude, perseverance, and resilience. I could be wrong. If you can see how strong we really are, that is the blessing.

PS I am sorry that was so long. I am proud of you for sharing and finding the good. Arfie- your dictionary comment gave me a giggle. Thank you.

I can relate. I'm feeling the same way today. I'm going to take SunCloud advice as well. Thanks again SunCloud

i too appreciate the greater empathy we have even if it does come with a price - it is worth it. yes the struggle is difficult but the joy in a beautiful sunset is wonderful as is noticing the responses when you walk down the street with a smile on your face. DS is a wonderful place to vent, cry, offload so that we can make the most of the good moments in real life, i for one would be lost without it. with everyone here walking the road with me I can live my life in a much easier way. good post!

arfie, dictionary post also made me smile!