How to Beat the Bipolar Blahs

Ever get the blahs? Nothing's wrong, but you don't feel like everything's right, either. You don't feel like doing anything, and even if you did, you don't have the energy for it, physically or mentally.

You may not exactly be depressed, it may be more like a feeling of boredom or laziness, but yet not be any of those things. You just feel blah!

The worst part of it is that usually you don't know why you're feeling this way, all you know is that you DO feel like this. And it can be frustrating to not know why, so now you're not only blah, but you're frustratingly blah.

Believe me, I'm not making light of this subject. I know how serious it can be. Because if you don't get out of the blahs, you can get depressed, and that can lead to a bipolar depressive episode.

So the first thing I would suggest to get out of the bipolar blahs would be to see your doctor to find out if there is a physical cause for the way you're feeling. You could be anemic, you could have thyroid problems (usually women), you could be low in potassium or another mineral, you could be eating something toxic, you could have the beginning of the flu, or any number of physical problems that your doctor can find.

If the reason you're feeling blah is not physical, then you need to work on the problem yourself. For that I suggest a few things. First of all, in spite of how you feel, try to accomplish something. Anything. Maybe something you've been meaning to get to or something you missed on your To-Do List.

Another thing I suggest for the bipolar blahs is to pamper yourself. Take a nice, long, hot, luxurious bath and listen to some soothing music or other music that you like. And don't get out till the water turns cold!

Something else might be to do something good for yourself. Go shopping, and treat yourself to that little something that you've been wishing for (but make sure you're not manic!).

Take the time to cozy up to that good book that you've said you don't have time for, or read anything inspirational. Catch up on email or letters (you may not feel like talking to anyone). If you do feel like talking, call an old friend.

Take a long walk in the park or along the sand if you're near a beach. Sit on the swings at the playground and watch the children play. Do anything you want, as long as it makes you feel good and doesn't interfere with your bipolar disorder.

And while you're thinking about it... turn your thoughts to good things. Think about how far you've come with your bipolar disorder. Think about how things were a year ago compared to how they are now. Aren't you progressing? That's a good thing. And if you choose to, you can think about other good things, too.

Take care of yourself (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) and take care of your bipolar disorder, and pretty soon you'll find that you've beaten the bipolar blahs.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Don't forget to check out my bipolar book at: www.brokenroseministries.com

Remember God loves you and so do I,

Michele