Surviving the Holidays with Bipolar Disorder
Dear Readers,
As we move though this time of year it is paramount that we keep our mental health a priority.
Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as Manic Depression, is characterized by mood instability, agitation, and delusions that manifest in an episodic and often cyclic manner. While it’s not our fault we live with this disorder, it is our duty to manage it. During the holiday season it’s easy to become sleep deprived, stressed, or overstimulated. Knowing your triggers, coming up with an action plan, and building a support system can help.
Discussion Points:
What can you do this year to cope better?
How will you promote self care in your daily living this holiday season?
Who will you reach out to when things get hard?
Where will you go if you become overstimulated?
When will you seek support?
Thank you for sharing your story! 🍵
@blitheSun94
It's so great to know that someone's thinking of you, and trying their best in ensuring you don't feel alone, and have enough ways to cope when you need them handy. Thankyou for these wonderful posts. ❤
Sending lots of love and strength to everyone coming across. We all have 7 cups and each other to lean onto, at all times. ❤
Thank you for your consistent feedback and directing traffic to my posts! 🥰
@blitheSun94
This is awesome! Thank you for this post for these absolutely amazing posts! ❤️
Thank you for your support and encouragement! I hope to improve the engagement in this corner of the forum. 💕
@blitheSun94
What can you do this year to cope better?
I can focus more on being less passive and more assertive, communicating my needs, and attending my in-person support group more consistently.
How will you promote self-care in your daily living this holiday season?
Anyone who knows me knows I have no problem saying "no." This holiday season I can promote self-care by making more time for myself and turning down events I genuinely have no interest in attending.
Who will you reach out to when things get hard?
When things get hard (they have been) I will reach out to my doctor.
Where will you go if you become overstimulated?
Anytime I attend an event I always assess the situation and come up with an exit strategy. A mechanism of ptsd I am sure. Knowing I have a plan helps me cope with my immediate environment a little better. I also do my best to tap into my higher self and rise above the challenges of socializing as a true-blue introvert.
When will you seek support?
I will seek support before I hit crisis.
I look forward to reading all of your answers. ❤️
@blitheSun94 Thank you for creating this space for those who struggle to come and reflect on their feelings! While I don't struggle with bipolar disorder, I think these questions are great for anyone during the holiday season!
What can you do this year to cope better? I can definitely do more things to help my anxiety, like exercise, sleep better, drink more water, and be kinder to myself.
How will you promote self care in your daily living this holiday season? I know the holiday season can be super busy, so it's important to definitely set aside time to recharge and relax when you are overwhelmed!
Who will you reach out to when things get hard? I like to reach out to my close friends, my boyfriend, my mom, or even my psychiatrist when I am feeling really down. There's no shame in asking for help! ❤️
Where will you go if you become overstimulated? If I become overstimulated, I will go for a walk to get some fresh air or go to my room for some me time!
When will you seek support? I would hope to seek support before I start to feel too bad, but it's never too late to seek support!
I hope you all have an amazing holiday!! ❄️⛄️🌲
I love what you said about there being no shame in knowing when to ask for help. Thank you for your heartfelt reply!
@blitheSun94 Of course! Thank you for this great post!! 🌲 Have a great holiday! 💗
❤️
❤️Dear Readers❤️
Thank you for helping this post grow! How is everyone feeling this week? I definitely find myself wanting to isolate as I find social gatherings to be utterly draining.
@blitheSun94 Hi Blithe! I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling your best. I know the holidays can be really tough at times, but know that it will be over before you know it! Make sure to take some time for yourself and do something nice for yourself! I'm thinking of you! ❤️
Thank you! I just want to resume regular life. 🖤
@blitheSun94 Yeah I totally understand. I think for myself I have such high standards for those around me around the holidays, so I become easily disappointed. I want to just move on from the holidays.
Very relatable, although I feel my standards are reasonable, I’m still disappointed. *hugs*
@blitheSun94
Thank you, dear. I do need some extra hugs!