Question:
The Depressive Phase of Bipolar Disorder: Focus on Bipolar II 11/17/01?
Answer:
am Bipolar not otherwise specified because of mixed states HOWEVER
since I am depressed 98% of the time, I feel qualified to comment on
this question. 1. Take your meds.
2. Make lists of the things you need to do and reward yourself a
little bit when you cross something off the list that you have
accomplished.
3. Don't expect too much of yourself. Don't expect too little of
yourself. Don't let anyone else demand anything of you.
4. Get good night's sleep.
5. Establish a healthy routine.
6. Eat at least three SMALL, HEALTHY meals a day.
I'm still learning how to deal. It helps to talk with others that face this
and understand. It also helps if you can learn to recognize and anticipate
certain reactions and therefore better prepare yourself to either avoid them
or at least deal with them in a more constructive manner. For example
normal life high stress situations can bring on all kinds of problems. If
you anticipate this you can do more to avoid them or at least reduce them.
I am also learning to recognize certain feelings and behaviors that for me
signal trouble. For instance when I start feeling paranoid and feel sure
that others are talking about me and plotting against me I have learned that
usually signals an oncoming hypomanic period.
