Welcome to the group. I am bipolar also and have lived the same struggles. I find that if I am very busy, my bipolar gets shoved in the background a little. It stays there till I am in a full-blown mania, and then everything sort of comes back down on me. I am military and fought to hide my bipolar from the military and did well until my final year in. I am now in a pretty good place with meds that seem to be working and a good therapist that doesn't take any BS. How long have you know you are bipolar?

Take a bubble bath. Meditate. Deeep breathing. Take a walk.

Welcome to the group Mk... That's a long day..... Sometimes some exercise helps... A nice walk... do things that you enjoy... Watch a favourite show or read a good book
Meditation or mindfulness helps a lot of people to relax
This is a good group... I'm glad that you've found us.... Big hug....xo

Thank you guys. I am as busy as I can mentally handle right now. Ive been taking my dogs for walks and painting, but I keep feeling overwhelmed. School is almost over but I am freaking out because I have no break between this and summer school, and then right back to my senior year. I had a manic break last February and was hospitalized. I learned a lot from my experience, but I struggle with suicidal thoughts, self harm, and pulling out my hair. When I am manic or depressed I just break and can't concentrate on the things that matter. You all are so sweet and helpful. I really appreciate it and want to return it to other members:)