2018: Emerging from darkness
- MyPolar
- Oct 23, 2018
- 3 min read
Daily Affirmation: “I value my own health and happiness and make excellent lifestyle choices.” (I Am Sober app)
Weather: sunny, clear skies, mild
Mood: reflective, celebratory, content
Healthy Lifestyle Factors
This year has been so pivotal, redeeming, and essential to my current stability, balance, and progress moving forward living with bipolar. I wish I could tell those of you suffering, in pain, or barely afloat that “x,” “y,” or “z,” could immediately absolve the negativity & clout that’s presently in the way. Often, throughout the 2.5 year major depressive episode I experienced, I would question: am I not choosing to be positive, am I ignoring the possible happiness that could exist, or why must this be my reality? I always took my medication, I always tried to be optimistic, and I always earnestly listened to the input of others, because I wanted to be happy.
One major helpful step promoting my personal progress was the concerted focus I needed to take to identify what could make me happy, and how I could go about in attaining that. As a result, I identified 5 ongoing struggle areas that I wanted to devise new solutions towards that I would be able to monitor/track to gauge my state of being with data (beyond in-the-moment) moods and feelings.
1. Medication (+ Supplements)
2. Routine
3. Self-Awareness of Triggers & Destructive Habits
4. Support System
5. Positive, fun outlets
There are plenty of additional focus areas that could one could use: mood monitoring, time management, and personal reflection are other potential topics.
My Wellness Recovery Toolbox
Before sharing the areas that specifically are currently working for me in October 2018, one important disclaimer is: my personal wellness toolbox is ever evolving and changing. Some tools are optimal for a month, while others just for several weeks. It’s okay to have a fluid/dynamic system of resources that resonate and appeal to your unique needs at any given time.
1. Mood Monitoring – Daylio app (easy, brief emotional check-ins).
2. Productivity Apps – Done app (keeps track of my work/home responsibilities that I can check off – makes me feel validated and accomplished).
3. Time Management/Scheduling – now that I’m more social & living beyond my bedroom, the Sorted app appeals to me more than simple calendars.
4. Journaling – I used to do have journaling apps that were guided questions, now I use free-form diary like apps such as Bear & Ulysses to leisurely write and reflect.
5. Exercise – Steps counter app (I try to get 10,000 steps a day).
6. Positive Outlets – I love listening to podcasts & reading (old habits I had stopped)
Worth Celebrating
Another important aspect attributing to my growth and development have been the exciting events I’ve been fortunate to have. Unlike the past 2.5 years, where I remained isolated in my room everyday (only left to go to work), reconnecting & hanging out with friends, participating in a soccer tournament, and a family vacation to Hawaii greatly helped. Of course, we cannot all just go on luxurious trips or getaways, nor was this of my doing, but, framing the highlights we do have going on can make a huge difference. There were moments I chose to forgo and dismiss whilst being depressed; there were opportunities I neglected because of my outlook and mindset.
*If you are experiencing low moments, keep fighting and persevering. Although change may not be immediate, identifying focus areas, trying new solutions, and framing minor positives can help along the way.
Before you go!
o Comment Below: what are your strategies or tools to cope with difficult/low moments?
o Check this out!: our infographics page, SAMHSA Wellness Categories, Mental Health America wellness guidance, or these strategies.
o One last thing: if you could subscribe, MyPolar would be so appreciative. We promise to not spam, nor become a nuisance. Hoping to spark a movement championing bipolar, having allies, partners, and a larger community is imperative.
Comments