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.

8,893 Members
129,609 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

structure during downtime?

malibumark
malibumark
I go to work early in the morning 530am and then come home
about 10am.
I usually eat a small meal when I get back and then I tend to sit in front of the television or the laptop.

I really want to do something more with my time. In all honesty I think it's a must too. When I have so much downtime to deal with - my feelings are harder to avoid or deal with than it is when I am working.

I have crazy thoughts and moods while working - but the activity of work tends to help them not magnify so much.

I am learning to deal with my feelings in a kind of new way - just accepting them really - - that I live with these highs, lows, and other stuff
and I am noticing how they can 'get' when I am not working..

How do you all structure your time? Do develop projects? Do you have routines? Rituals?

Is unstructured time easy for you? Or does the same kind of magnification
happen when you're not occupied?

Just some thoughts really. Just wanted to spark some conversation.
I am doing alright.

Peace,
M
malibumark
malibumark
cool ideas Chris and Jan!! Thanks!
bayrabbit01
bayrabbit01
You know they say that work can be theraputic,and I happen to think it"s true...helps you concentrate on something other than yourself.:)
spacekat
spacekat
I volunteer to eliminate my free time - otherwise, I sit in front of the TV or computer and watch movies.
Autumn111269
Autumn111269
I definitely do better with a schedule. Without one I find myself lying in bed and staring at the TV. So I get up each morning and make myself cook breakfast, clean up the house a bit, spend time studying for classes and then I lilke to take some me time and either go to the gym, take a walk at a local park, or read for a couple of hours if I can focus. It seems to help but isn't always easy to do if depressed. I sort of miss working because it was easier to push my thoughts and feelings to the side and concentrate on my job. But I know I couldn't have kept it up with my mood seings this past year. Definitely try to find a way to structure some time with things you like to do or need to do. it really does help. Best of luck!
irishwriter
irishwriter
I hate having to stick to a schedule, it makes me really depressed.
I prefer to have loads of freedom and could never do the 9 - 5 thing workwise. I prefer to do a chunk of work and then take plenty of time off particularly if the sun is shining!!!

I do a lot of my work in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep!

All in all it uually works out ok so long as i don't allow myself to be too busy and take on too much. good thread Mark!
Posts You May Be Interested In