Facing the Day Head On with Bipolar Disorder

We've all had those days when we'd rather stay in bed and just not face the day, haven't we? When just getting out of bed is about the best we can do, and even that is an effort. It happens to the best of us. I've even got a T-shirt that says, "Hey, I'm dressed and out of bed, what more do you want from me?" LOL

But we've also had days that when we have gotten out of bed and faced the day head on, things got better. Ok, so maybe just getting out of bed was the major accomplishment of the day, but at least we did that. And anything else we accomplished that day was icing on the cake. Some days are harder than other days, I'll grant you that.

But what is the alternative? To stay in bed and think about how bad things are? All that does is feed negative thoughts into an already deepening depression. Keep going like that, and you're likely to run into a full bipolar depressive episode. So no matter how hard it is sometimes, you at least need to get yourself out of bed and try to accomplish something.

Face the day head on, with all its challenges, and you'll find that you'll feel better. No matter how much or how little you do, you will feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. There are some days when all I do is read, but at least I can say that I read a book. That may not be much, but at least I got out of bed and did something. Even if all I do is write in my journal, that's something, too. Or I try to talk to someone, to reach out.

Helping others is always a great thing to do to get out of your own head. It makes you feel better about yourself. There is always someone else worse off than you are. Volunteering is a good way to make productive use of your time and keep you from becoming idle. Too much spare time is not good for you or your bipolar disorder, and can lead to depression if you're not careful.

Pick a project to work on, or a hobby to do. Sometimes when I'm really bored, I'll do crossword puzzles. It at least keeps my mind occupied (don't think less of me, but I do the easy ones! LOL), and I don't stray into negative thinking or become depressed. Sometimes I'll pick a project like re-arranging my bookshelves or cleaning up my office. That can take all day, with the state of my office!

Catch up on something you've been procrastinating. Write those emails or letters you've been putting off.

The important thing is to get out of bed and DO something! Be productive with your time. Do something you enjoy, something that will help you to feel better about yourself.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
ps. Check out my new bipolar book at www.brokenroseministries.com