Need some support right now
I have bipolar 2, and last week started into a down cycle. I'm feeling really down and just want to drink wine and binge eat right now.
I haven't been diagnosed for very long- so I'd love to hear how other people minimize the length of a down episode? I took a yoga class today and have been forcing myself to do self care every day. I just don't want to feel like this. I don't want to go backwards with the progress I've been making but my willpower to not binge eat and drink feels so low right now.
Any support is appreciated.
@neatLime5421 Hello! So nice to meet you! But I am sorry you are not feeling well right now.
I wish I had some kind of magic thing to tell you about shortening a down phase; I kind of don't though. It always seems like they come and go at their own whims. And I've been dealing with Bipolar symptoms for over 30 years.
I can tell you that acknowledging that you are in a bad place and giving yourself permission to be there has worked for me in terms of lessening the *severity* of my depressive parts of the cycle. That doesn't mean to give yourself permission to self medicate or whatever happens to you during the depressions. It just means you come to feel as if you know you're in a bad place, but that you also know it will end, and to be gentle with yourself as you're hurting.
All easier said than done, right? I know. And it takes time to learn how to do it so it works for you.
I can't stress enough the need to self care during these phases as well. I am really terrible about it myself. But I know when I do manage to agree that it's ok to be down (not productive, not at the top of your game) and take care of the vital little things like showering and eating healthy things, I am able to process out of the down cycle a bit faster.
Good luck, honey. Hang in there!
@ladylazarus1971 thank you so much for replying. It helps when you feel like you're not alone. You're amazing.
