Bipolar Type II Support Group

Writing in a gratitude journal of all of the things I am thankful for, before I even drink my first cup of coffee.

Pulling a card from Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's "Inner Peace" card deck (sent to me in a survival kit by a good friend).

Taking my meds at the same times every day.

Abstaining from the use of marijuana and alcohol.

Charting my moods on a mood chart.

Lighting candles or incense, or taking a hot soak to relax.

Drinking plenty of water.

Going to bed and waking at the same times (this is unheard of for me before medications, and I am not even taking my sleep aid).

Keeping appointments with my pdoc, tdoc and regular doc.

Making love with my husband (hey, the endorphins are good for your brain!).

Talking to people that I love and trust via e-mail or phone.

Reconnecting with family and friends that fell by the wayside during my episodes.

Using the "Living Without Depression and Manic Depression" workbook by Mary Ellen Copeland.

Getting my environment organized and clean.

These are helping! I am feeling pretty good....sorry this is so long, but add to the list!

Here are some of the things I do:

1. Take my meds as prescribed.

2. Keep track of my moods in a journal.

3. Listen to uplifting music if I'm feeling depressed and relaxing music if I'm manic.

4. Go for a 2 hour walk everyday weather permitting.

5. Call my pdoc when I have questions about a change in mood from the ordinary.

6. Call my tdoc to schedule an earlier appointment if I'm struggling with an issue, am depressed or manic.

7. Participate on message boards like MDJ to support others and look outside of myself.

8. Spend time with my guide dog Tigger. This always makes me feel good especially since she is 12 years old yet still acts like a puppy in so many ways. Knowing how healthy she is makes me thankful for the 10 years I've spent with her so far.

9. Speaking of being thankful, every day I write a list of the things that make my life good. My tdoc recommended I do this ever since I started seeing him 1.5 years ago. I've kept all of my lists and whenever I'm feeling depressed, I take a look at them and always have something to smile about.

10. I try to eat and sleep on a regular basis in order to avoid mania.

Post edited by: neondreams, at: 04/12/2009 08:25

Both of those are helpful lists and well thought out and articulated. It reminds me of a post I I've been meaning to start...

Mark

2. Taking my meds everyday!!!!

3. Taking my meds EVERYDAY!!!!

4. Prayer yoga (Gratitude practice)

5. 40 minute walk

6. Eating well

7. Caring for my teeth

8. Reading

9. Cocoa in my morning coffee.

10. Kissing my husband