I'm Bipolar and on medication. What else can I do to fight an oncoming depressive episode?
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I think you have taken the first step; you realize when at least one depressive episode begins. If you have not done so, talk to your doctor about this. She/he may be able to adjust your anti-depressant dosage upwards in early July. That alone might be enough to stop an August depression.
Also, find a good friend; I mean a VERY good friend. One who will listen to you without judging what you say, without trying to encourage you to "feel better, just get over it." It needs to be a friend who is prepared to listen to you for a few hours every night. AND ONE WHO WILL NOT REPEAT A SINGLE WORD YOU SAY! Depressed people will say things that they would never say unless they are depressed; and you do not need someone to repeat what you have said!!
If you do not have a friend like this, check with a mental health hotline. Tell them you desperately need someone that you can talk to every night for the next month or month and a half.
What you need this person for is to listen. They will need to listen, and nothing more. And you need to tell them everything and anything that comes to mind. No matter what it is, no matter how strange this sounds. The reason is that whenever a depressed person speaks and lets out all the frustration, the misery, the anger and despair, it goes away. I have done this, though not for a month straight, and it works. The power of emotions to cause depression is medically known. And it is the very principle that suicide hotlines use. They will keep people talking and talking until the feelings are released. Then, when the feelings are gone, so is depression. At least for a while, which is why your August evenings should be spent on the phone or with this trusted friend. Evenings are hell for the depressed person (I am one also), and it is the best time to vent emotions.
Though this idea sounds unusual, please do not dimiss it without considering it. And you need to act quickly, since this is August! And even though this sounds melodramatic and stupid, you are welcome to e-mail me. No one should suffer alone or in silence.Think about yourself, and find someone soon!
Other Answers:
1. get outside and go for a walk every day, even if it's for 15 or 20 minutes
2. do something nice for someone else
these 2 things will really work, i'm sure of it
*hugs* glad you asked, and best of luck to you
ok hunny..bipolar is a disease, and takes special care to stop, although never really goes away. the best thing you can do is OWN YOUR ANGER. that is what i teach my kids. own your anger. take responsiblity for your actions, because your actions will result into your consequences. be aware of your surrounding and aware of those around you...always keep in mind, that you are loved no matter what!
Well I am bipolar too. It was really hard for me for so long to find something to get my mind off the bipolar. But you have to. Try excercising, find a hobby, get a good group of friends and surround yourself with positive influences who will make you feel better. Alrighty talk to you later. If you want to talk hit me up. Bye
what was going on in your life in august? did someone close to you die? did you have a breakup? did you lose a job? do you see where i am going with this? the worse thing for me was my mom's death every jan. it gets brutal my birthday and hers are the same. holidays mothers day etc i can barely handle. i get very depressed i keep a journal of thoughts, tears, happier times and laughs. i hope this can help you good luck to you
is august a praticularly tough time for you for a reason? do you associate august with something stressful or emotionally difficult, such as the death of a loved one, divorce/loss of a mate, or some other traumatic life event? if so, you recognize when the depression is going to come on and can brace yourself for the oncoming depression. exercise is one way to make you feel better - the endorphins (chemicals) released during exercise can give you a natural buzz which makes you feel better. also, exposure to sunlight can help to overcome episodes of depression - try getting outside and getting some sun during this time. make sure you stay on top of your medications as this will help control your moods.
it may also help to take some sort of class, such as yoga, tai chi, or meditiation during the times when you are not depressed. this way, if something like this acts like a mood stabilizer and helps to calm you down, you can use the techniques you learn in these classes to help relax you during the stressful times.
Please make sure you take your medication as directed. Surround yourself with positive things, things that uplift you as a person, maybe get in to some outpatient group or one on one therapy ( who ever prescribes your medication should be able to help you with that) and avoid alcohol, negative people and negative situations that you know are your triggers. Good luck to you! Peace!
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