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.

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Hobbies/Distractions

mcosta314
mcosta314

Hey all! I want to make just a general post, try to connect with people a bit.


The question we've all heard/asked, what do you do for fun? I used to read A LOT as a kid and teen, then later teens/early 20s I was a big gamer, and now I've settled into watching fun YouTube channels every night and playing games on my phone. I've started to sink into nostalgia and I'm replaying Pokemon LeafGreen on my GBA. I think I'm trying to get back to a time where I wasn't dealing with all this mental stuff and try to distract myself from my negative thoughts and emotions. I kinda stop myself from actually feeling anything. When I do feel it I relive bad memories and spiral into negative thinking. I also try to fight my impulsivity and sometimes lose where I keep buying games digitally or nook/kindle books (all purchase always on sale items, which is how I excuse the spending,) thinking "I'll play/read these eventually." I also enjoy watching bad movies, like B movies. And I enjoy MST3K and RedLetterMedia on YouTube where they both discuss/poke fun at these movies. 


What do you guys do? Also, am I the only one who distracts themselves in this way? I meant this to be more casual and went into my mental state a bit lol. 

Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I think that everyone likes their 'pass times'..... I'm a big reader.... every night for a few hours ... Usually thrillers

I like watching movies or specific shows..... I like the singing competitions

I visit with my landlord/roomie who's a dear friend.... I used to play a game on FB..... They have a lot of free games...

Nice light posts are good to!!.... Big hug....xo
MayB
MayB
Thanks mcosta,

I agree sometimes it's nice to have a light post. I have been downloading audio books from my local library to listen to when I'm doing a mountain of hand sewing or riding my exercise bike.

I'm a sucker for Sci-Fi films and classic films for that matter...we all need little ways to check in with ourselves and playing games is a good way to de-stress and do that...
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
I listen to lots and lots of music. To get out of the house, I love exploring museums. They are like a sanctuary to me. I love reading but I definitely go in reading spurts. I have some poetry books to pick up at the library soon. I love movies of many kinds and can rewatch some of my favorites multiple times because I love the characters so much.
cici65
cici65
Great question! When I was stuck in a depression last year I started buying succulents and it has become an obsession learning all about them and planting them. I find objects at second hand stores and turn them into succulent pots. I was an artist in my younger years and I've started painting again on rocks and wood panels and birdhouses. Two of my friends and I might start an Etsy shop. The thing is I need a good dose of hypomania to get products going! I My 14 yr old daughter and I love to go thrift store shopping. She started me on that.Can't remember the last time I bought something new! I'm selling my finds too online. I love to read my kindle and watch netflix movies too. I find when I'm manic/anxious I can't read at all. Can't sit still long enough, so watching netflix is a good distraction. And I love hanging with my pets = 4 cats and a dog are my great loves and best comfort in bipolar times.
jessekay
jessekay
Those are great ways to cope and pass the time reading is very distant for me but once in a while I like a good book and you can find other things you’re interested in I love cooking and painting and doing stuff with my nephew like arts and crafts Easter is tomorrow and I will be coloring eggs but anyways I think it is a good way to tune in to an adventure and a book I never thought of it that way until I read what you wrote but I am veryI’m very happy you found ways to cope with what we’re going through with those pandemic
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
I like to sew, crochet, color, walk the trails at the park, and cuddle my dog
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
I work so that takes up time, but mostly from home, I spend a lot of my free time Mentoring Mental Health patients. I play a lot of "Mind Games/Brain Games" for Cognitive health. I play competition level Mahjong and Chess. I write a lot, I read 2 or 3 books a week. I play Xbox with my son a few times a week, Halo, Forza, Grand Theft Auto....we enjoy stalking and killing each other...He's a grown adult so its allowed! lol

I work out, I garden a lot in spring and summer and I enjoy cooking. So my interests are varied, but I have a brain that needs to stay busy, so I keep it busy!

I live in Chapel Hill, NC, but travel quite a bit between Richmond, VA and Charleston, SC.
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