Cyclothymia Support Group

I have found a pattern in my mood, that I cycle every two months. In August I wa as happy and full of energy. Then September I was very depressed and October I was still depressed, but coping abit better. Then November I have Mania again, because I have been overwhelmed with the strain of having to keep focused and safe during the depressive time, on top of having a child with Special Needs that has challenging behaviour and a toddler that wakes up in the middle of the night.

Going to do Relaxation Tape, which is a Progressive Muscle Relaxation One, then I am going to watch some TV programmes that I have recorded, before I have to pick my son from nursery.

Hopefully the relaxation will help my irritable mood.

Try jogging.

When I was still in school and living with my parents my mom would tell me to "put on your tekkies". Her nice way of telling me I'm being a ass and need to go and run it off.

No amount of relaxation gets rid of the anger. Running till you wonna pass out seems to work well.

Hi Rudo

Yes I find going to the gym helps, I go at weekends when hubby has the kids. The relaxation CD did help, as I fell asleep for 20 mins, cause I was so relaxed.

Exercise is fantastic for keeping the moods regular - I also like the boxing on the Wii if I don't have time to hit the gym... good aggression-buster

I agree too about exercise, i started running ( see "slow jogging" ) 3 miles, 3 times week and eat smaller portions and cut most of the cakes and biscuits. I have lost 2.5 stone in 6 weeks, plus i find it theraputic as i think rationally about my situation. The endorphin hit is a lovely boost and sets me up for the day ahead.

If running is difficult, rowing on a machine is superb as it is very kind to joints and works the whole body, burns loads of energy and you can row in front of the tv to make the time fly by!

One day at a time

Miluso

If I did not have young kids to look after, I would probably go to the gym or go swimming everyday, but I have a dog, so walk every day and work to the shops and nursery. When my eldest starts school and the other at pre-school, I will step up my fitness.

The only problem I find with exercise, is that it can make me more hyper in mood.

You do need that good mix of energetic and tiring with exercise - I find it helps me sleep a lot better overall though.

I wouldn't beat yourself up about not going every day; I don't have kids, but certainly don't manage to go to the gym everyday, and sometimes not for a week at a time... The curse of too many long hours at work (yuk).

All - I NEVER EVER exercised until I was diagnosed with Cyclothymia. I go swimming loads now with my hubby and daughter. It gives me a boost, a relaxing feeling afterwards and I sleep like a baby. I do it instead of plonking myself on the sofa, necking 2 large glasses of wine, in front of the soaps only to have a bad night's sleep. I recommend swimming although any exercise that gets your heart going does the same thing e.g. jogging, gym sessions, etc.

Zippy2011 - like Raine, we do sessions on the WII fit at home. Lots of fun! Now there's something you can do at home. The kids could just watch mummy strutting her stuff or join in if they can!

Yes we do have a Wii Fit, and I like doing the Zumba Workout, great fun.

Just ordered my Wii fit as part of my phone upgrade package - really excited! I love my Wii! Going to get the boy going on it too, as I'm alarmingly fitter than him. He can only manage about 10 mins of boxing before collapsing on the sofa complaining that he's exhausted, and he's got zero body fat! I find that very unfair when faced with my expanding tummy