My Bipolar Self Care

On By WendyIn Bipolar, Chronic Illness, Mental Health
spirit me purple
self portrait
After Saturday’s bout with bipolar rage and my continued mood fluctuations I’m reminding myself about self care. Eating right, getting enough sleep, getting some form of exercise, keeping a routine, abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, watching or reading anything that is upsetting, or anything that may alter my mood, ……these are a must when dealing with my bipolar disorder.
I’m paying very close attention to my moods and trying to step back and refocus before things get out of control. (yes, I’ve had a few moments of quick anger, but I took a step back, cleared my mind and took a deep breath. I’m happy to say it’s been working well, it’s just hard to stay on top of)
I’m trying hard to stay in the moment. Worrying about what has happened, or what may happen will only make things worse. That worry could be a trigger.
 
I’m attempting to meditate more. Meditation helps to calm my racing thoughts, but I have to realize it’s okay to have those racing thoughts while I’m meditating, I just note them and come back to my breath without judgement. That’s the big thing. No judgement. Beating myself up doesn’t help matters, it will only cause me more anxiety. Being gentle with myself.
 
I have Stuart watching me too. I know sometimes my moods will shift and I don’t realize I’m overreacting. We realized that if he said I was overreacting I might get really angry, instead, when he sees that I’m not acting like myself, he hugs me.  So far, it’s worked.  I was started to get worked up and angry, and Stuart came over and just held me and I melted.  I know there are times that I would not respond well to this, but after talking about everything this was the best option we could come up with, and it’s working…so far.  Another huge thing I’m making sure I’m doing: talking with my husband.  We are working hard to make sure the lines of communication are open.
I saw my psych doc yesterday.  We are adding another mood stabilizer to the mix that helps more with the anger aspects of bipolar.  After I’m on it for a while, we will probably reduce the other one I’m on and hopefully get rid of it, and let the new one take over.  Funny to say “new one”, I think it’s the oldest bipolar med.  I’m going back on lithium.  Wish me luck!

36 thoughts on “My Bipolar Self Care”

    1. I sure hope so. I did well on it before but I had thyroid damage. Now the damage has been done, so no need to stay away. Just lots of monitoring to watch thyroid, and kidney function and lithium levels.
      Did I mention I hate having blood test?

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  3. I am relieved to read that things are calming down for you – or to say it more accurately, you are taking Self-Care steps to calm things down. You are so wise to avoid anything that might serve as a trigger – and brave to be so transparent about your struggles. I’m sure your posts are helping many people understand themselves and feel not so alone.

    Does anyone not hate blood tests? If they help you monitor you health while the lithium keeps you stable, perhaps it is a reasonable price to pay? {{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you and Stuart both.
    xx,
    mgh
    (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
    ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
    “It takes a village to educate a world!”

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    1. Oh yes Madelyn, it is a small price to pay. Doesn’t mean I like it. 😉
      I have tiny, rolling veins. I’m a phlebotomist nightmare. Haha

      Thank you for your kind words. I do hope my words help others in some small way. I just felt the need to write about it.

      Love to you my friend.
      Wendy

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  5. Wishing you all the best of luck with your new meds. Being mindful, as you have been, and getting hugs when you feel the rage slipping in, or the mood shifting is an excellent idea. You are so lucky to have such a special partner who is part of your healing process. Someone who understands your issues, and through his participation, helps you gain the stability; the grounding that is so important when bipolar rages or mood shifts slip in.
    And, of course, gentle (((((((((hugs)))))))) to you.

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    1. Thank you. Things are better. Amazing considering.
      I’m going to work hard to keep all of my self care items going.
      I forgot how important it is to stay vigilant about these things.
      I am very lucky to have such a supportive partner. I wish everyone had that kind of support.
      It wouldn’t mean much though, if I wasn’t trying hard to help myself.
      I’ll be forever grateful to know that I don’t have to do this alone.
      Much love to you my dear friend

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              1. I would like to travel more, but don’t have the money. ..there are many more places I’d like to see! Travel has made me more ‘myself’ (hard to explain!) – I’m from a small town and small family…I needed to see more. ..
                My family don’t travel either …it’s not sad, because I know they are content with living in their town 🙂

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                1. I’ve lived on both coast. I’ve traveled some in the states, but would like to do more. It is expensive. And hard to do with health issues. That doesn’t mean I won’t get out there.
                  But if I don’t, I’m okay where I am, as long as hubby is with me. ♡♡

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  8. Love to read about your self-care. It’s so important! I was particularly interested to read that you abstain from watching/reading upsetting things. That’s something I have to be really careful with – that stuff affects me more than others I know. I’m glad I’m not alone.

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    1. Oh Savannah, you are not alone. I think things like that can upset people more than they realize. When my mind is racing, the last thing I need is negative stimulation.
      I think self care is very important. Medication can only do so much, we must take care of ourselves.
      Remember. You’re not alone.

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  9. Pingback: Self-care menghadapi bipolar – Muhasabah Derita

  10. This sounds so very very familiar. And this is the year for discovering how Lithium actually works… a new technology out of the US has apparently figured it out.

    Don’t you wish sometimes it was just less complicated, with less navel gazing and introspection? Are there people out there who live day-to-day without the angst and anguish?

    Wishing you long periods of blandness (haha)

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    1. Yes, I do wish it was less complicated. And yes others do get through with less angst and anguish. I find them boring. Hahaha
      If nothing else, we will never be boring. 😉

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  11. Wendy, meditation has also helped me on my journey to uncover my truths about my mental wellness. See if anything on my page might be of interest to you, I write about mindfullness and the way our minds and moods shift due to the different spaces we reside in. Best of wishes to you on your journey navigating this bold and beautiful condition.

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  12. I appreciate your list of self-care methods. The biggest thing I am working on is self-care, and I really liked your mention of “staying in the moment.” It’s definitely a struggle for me. When I am having mixed episodes, it’s difficult to stay grounded and not start worrying about the past and the future. Thank you for the reminder. Also, hugs are great. There’s no judgement, just a gesture of love and care. My partner also does something similar – she just asks if I’m ok, and holds me as well. It’s very grounding, which is probably why it works – it’s something that brings me back to the moment.

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    1. Kate,
      I’m so glad you feel you could relate to in my post.
      Staying in the moment is a huge challenge.
      I think the continued attempt to be mindful is the best we can do.
      We must remember that mindfulness is a “practice”, one never masters it.
      I must remember that.

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  15. I know this is way late, but I just saw your post. I wish you the best of luck! Reading this was eye opening and brought me back to reality. My mind has been exhausted and my self care routine is nonexistent anymore. Your writing reached out to multiple people. I applaud your bravery and will to keeping working at it.

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    1. you aren’t late. I’m late getting back to you.
      It is easy for our self care to lag when we are overwhelmed and exhausted by….well everything.
      If you ever need a sounding board, I’m here.

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