Manic Depression and Routine

In an earlier posting I discussed sleep and bipolar disorder; how regular sleep can help you manage your manic depression. But it isn't just regular sleep...it's regular everything. Routine is very important (an often very difficult to maintain) if you have bipolar disorder.

Changes in routine can start your mood pendulum swinging. The disruptions to routine can be changes in sleep (as mentioned earlier), dealing with the holidays, getting a cold or the flu or even fun, positive things, like going on vacation.

Can't Prevent Most Unexpected Events...So What Do You Do?
We can't control every aspect of our life, so when these disruptions to routine happen it is important to do all that you can to stay mentally healthy.

• Remember to take your meds.
  
• Get enough sleep!
• Don't start drinking loads of caffeinated or alcoholic beverage.
• If you are down with a cold or the flu, really take care of yourself rather than taking pills that only mask the symptoms.

Mooday

I was prompted to write today's entry after coming down with the flu bug that has been traveling through my family for the past couple weeks. While my fantastic husband took care of the kids, I slept, and slept, and slept.

It is not uncommon for me to begin a swing toward depression after being sick, but even with my flu symptoms, I am feeling very balanced mentally. The key is being aware that you many be vulnerable to mood problems when you are ill and taking the important steps to reduce the chance of a swing.

Mood-ie-Meter

Manic 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 depresseD

This blog is for informational purposes only, it is not intended to be used for the treatment of mental illness. If you are having emotional troubles, please see a mental health professional.