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.
I feel like everything that's happened over the last year is catching up with me. I can't stop thinking about the things I did that I shouldn't have done, and things I should have done but didn't. I think too much, period. And it just makes me feel worse and worse. I wish I knew how to stop.
the things that cannot be changed, Courage
to change the things which should be changed,
And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other."
(From "The Serentiy Prayer" by Elisabeth Sifton) I know they use this for addictions but I find it very fitting with being bipolar hope it helps you! I know not everyone believes in god but I really like the thought of having the strength to accept things we can't change when my demons are getting to me
Write down what the Prayer means in every part, ie God grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot Change - and that's the thoughts and feeling and actions of other people, and events that happen every day from the mundane to the big like war and catastrophe - except for you creating stroing boundaries with them and sticking to them.
List every single one of those people and places and situations so you can clearly see what you simply cannot change.
The courage to change the thigs I can - write down everything in your life that needs changing - everything - be ruthless and then metholdically go through the whole list, prioritising it and then do it all - it may takes days for some, weeks for others and even years for oithers. And the Wisdom to know the difference - that will become apparent once you do your lists.
I also think getting some Mindfulness CD's and using them can help you -they will ground you and give you some mental peace and health to help you do the things you need to do. I also suffer from severe and life threatening mental illnesses including Bipolar and the CD's do help me.
And probably most of all, are you seeing a therapist? We need a neutral and compassionate ear and voice to help us through - we deserve that help.
The other thing is that we are approaching Christmas and New Years and I for one hate it. For me it's a time of survival, not joy. What I do is basically check out for this time period, treat it like it's any other day or week of the year. Concentrate on other things, like towritegina said and don't forget that you have a loving and caring community here.
And Oh -go easy on yourself!!!