Bipolar Support Group

I have recently started a journal (the traditional, paper kind) and have found it helpful in coping through a tough month dealing with Bipolar Disorder. Does anyone have any thoughts they would like to share about their journaling experiences, stories and advice?

You can read more about that in my online diary here: http://www.mdjunction.com/diary/endless-nameless/paper- works-too

undertoe

Post edited by: undertoe, at: 05/01/2008 13:02

I have been journaling on and off throughout my life. I find that I consistently journal when I am not doing well, but when I am feeling balanced I tend to skip days because I have nothing to get off my mind. I had been using paper journals, but recently I switched to using my laptop because I was going through so may pens and journals and I can type faster than I can write. I actually bought a new laptop that I use only for journaling because when I tried using the laptop that I use for work I couldn't stand to turn it on because it reminded me of work and then I didn't want to write because I felt nauseated. My job is really stressful and being reminded of it isn't conducive to the writing process. I write about anything and everything in my journal and I don't worry about anyone getting their hands on it. I figure if it falls into the wrong hands, oh well, I've been embarrassed before and eventually it will pass. Besides everything I write is true, so it's hard for people to argue with you about the truth. If someone gets ahold of it after I die, I won't care because I'll be dead. My advice, write about whatever you want whenever you want and don't sensor yourself; just let it flow.

I use to keep a journal all the time but also seem to fall out of writing when I am stable. It definitely helps to write things down and I particularly like to go back to different periods of my life to explore those situations and how I dealt with them. It helps me to realize that I really did get through whatever It was and time has passed and I am still surviving.

Thanks for the comments! It's funny about the skipping when stable you both expressed. I didn't journal for two weeks this first month, which were wildly unstable weeks for me. It's great to hear your experiences, thanks! undertoe

Hi Undertoe,

I have also journaled most of my life. I try to write something everyday, so it doesn't build up. I have learned this the hard way.

If I let things build up, I end up blowing up. I try to take a mood journal, too, but, do slack off on that. I got frustrated with my pdoc, because, I will talk about my moods, and, and he has been ignoring me.

I was reminded today to keep doing it anyway, because it's for me, too, so, I can see whare, I am at with my moods.

Gypsy, tell this guy how you are feeling about his ignoring you, you have to live in your body for 24 hours per day, you know what is going on with you and he is suppose to be there to help you, if he can't or won't, change doctors if at all possible,

I have decided to look for a new pdoc. My PSR worker, suggested it yesterday. Some pdocs can get burned out and get robotic. This jerk didn't even read my file.

I am new to journaling. I just finished reading this book called "Bipolar & Pregnant" by Kristin K. Finn. My husband and I want to start a family and I am just starting the process of coming off my meds. I am really scared and nervous. Anyway, this book talked about journaling as a form of therapy. She said it really helped her through her 2 pregnancies. So, I am trying to start a journal but I keep forgetting to write in it. Any tips on remembering?

I suck at journaling... I tend to get bored easily.

Um... best advise I could give you... put it on your nightstand table so that it's the last thing you see when you go to bed and remember to do it, or put it somewhere else. The point is, somewhere you will see it all the time.

That or a giant neon sign that says 'write in me beyoch'