How I Started Winning at Bipolar Depression
The three things that help me succeed.
There are three times during the year I know to expect bipolar depression: in the spring, midsummer, and late December. Other times, it walks up and smacks the back of my head with all the shock of an unwanted surprise party.
While painful, bipolar depression is no reason to quit. You can keep winning at bipolar depression battles.
In the last few weeks, I can feel the depression monster knocking around in my brain. He’s restless and looking for a place to set up camp.
Before, I would give in and let the dark forces take over my mind. But now, I refuse to quit. While stopping bipolar depression completely may not be possible, there are ways to decrease its impact.
Start Today!
Here are three tips I’ve learned about how to stop being a quitter and start winning at bipolar depression:
Know your triggers. For me, bipolar depression is mostly seasonal. It can also take off when I’m not getting enough rest or pushing myself too hard. If I force myself into mania, depression will follow. Knowing my triggers helps me be proactive about preventing it.
The pain of depression often follows a manic cycle. If you have gone days without sleep or eating little, you can almost guarantee a depressive episode will follow. When you keep mania under control, you also decrease the chances for a deep depressive episode.
Make a plan. Once I know my bipolar depression is coming on, I make a plan of action. This usually includes things like increasing my self-care, scheduling more fun activities, and reaching out to my support system. I take steps every day to keep myself balanced, so when depression hits, it’s easier to hold on to hope.
Your plan should include taking your meds every day, getting enough rest, and eating regular, healthy meals. Positive mindset activities such as practicing gratitude and mindfulness also decrease the frequency and intensity of depression.
Reach out for help. Bipolar depression can be very isolating, but it’s important to reach out for help. This could mean talking to your therapist, joining a bipolar support group, or even just talking to a friend.
I get it, though. When you’re depressed, the last thing you want to do is interact with people. I want to be alone, shades pulled, phone off, with a comfy blanket pulled up to my chin. I don’t want to tell anyone how I’m doing or waste the energy to smile and act like a real human being.
Even so, isolation is dangerous. So reach out to your family and friends, even if it’s only through text messages. You need the connection to others to give you strength to continue fighting.
“No man is ever whipped until he quits in his own mind.”
– Napoleon Hill
Keep Fighting
Bipolar depression is something I used to be a quitter about, but not anymore. By knowing my triggers and making a plan, I can usually stop bipolar depression in its tracks. And if bipolar depression takes over, I know I’m not alone. There’s a support system propping me up.
I’m having a tough time right now, but it’s nothing like what I used to experience before I learned to manage my mental illness. Plus, I know it will end. It always has and always will. I just need to hold on and I’ll beat it.
You can keep winning at bipolar depression too. Depressive cycles are part of living with bipolar, but you don’t have to stay there. The harder you work on stability, the easier you’ll tackle your depression.
Until next time, keep fighting.
Great post and great you were able to share even though you’re going through a rough patch. This is the statement that you said that most resonated with me: “Plus, I know it [depression] will end. It always has and always will. I just need to hold on and I’ll beat it.” The more times I have been hit with bipolar depression or even anxiety the more I can assure myself there is light at the end of the tunnel. Once I had one successful passing of bipolar depression, I am reassured that the next time and the next time and the next time it rears its ugly head I have a plan for a way out. And that includes foremost reminding myself that I have been here before and have gotten through it…..:) Thanks for sharing your post!
It’s one positive about having had bipolar for a while is knowing the worst times end. Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience. Keep fighting!
Fabulous post!
Thank you!
Excellent article. I will definitely following you and sharing your blogs!
Thanks so much!
Thank you so.
Yes. I had a period of about 5 years when mu daughter was quite young. The docs kept prescribing me anti-depressants and I kept going in and out of the hospital. It was a horrible time for me as well as the family. Don’t know why it took the medical experts so long to figure out that anti-depressants are not good with bipolar. Wish they had that figured out before.
Oh, wow, I’m so sorry it lasted so long. I’m glad you survived it. I can’t imagine how awful it was to go through that. I’m glad you’re still here to talk about it.
Sorry I am having difficulty posting comments. Thanks for this.
Thank you for reading it!
I have found that my main triggers are anxiety brought on by too much stress and lack of routine. I have found out the hard way that I do not tolerate anti-depressants as the push me into mania. I am one of those persons that experiences mixed traits so harder to treat. Wishing you well in your journey.
Anxiety and stress are tough. I had a horrible experience with an antidepressant driving me into an extended mania cycle. Landed me in the hospital. It’s good you’re learning what works for you. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have those two same triggers as well! Any deviation from my routine can set me off and definitely when my anxiety is too high from too much stress. That ALWAYS triggers an episode in me. Thanks for sharing. It kinda made Me feel less alone. Best wishes to you!
You’re definitely not alone. Thanks for your comment. Keep fighting.