Bipolar NSV

cmuggridge

I realize this may not be along the same lines of many of the NSVs here but it was a big deal for me and I just wanted to share my experience. Sometimes when I shares these things and get them out it makes it easier for my mind to really recognize and accept them.

I am bipolar and I have episodes of hypomania and episodes of depression. During hypomania it is never difficult to exercise as I tend to have more than enough energy to spare and my outlook on the world is very positive. Unfortunately the depression is not so accommodating. Today is not a good day.

As I am sure other people with a mental disorder that includes depression will know, getting yourself to do any more than get out of bed before noon can be a real struggle. It's at times like these that it is easy to just say "screw it" and give up. On top of it all, I tend to think very negatively about myself and can even be abusive, trampling my self esteem in the process.

Today though I decided to trust that positive side of myself that made this commitment just over a week or so ago. Although I just wanted to sit and do nothing all day I told myself that I owed it to that other part of me and that once the depression had passed I would be disappointed in myself. Somehow I got myself started and made it through my third day of the 30 Day Shred program. Although I still feel depressed, a small part of me also feels proud and I know when I look back on it while in a better frame of mind I will be very glad I did it.

This has been a huge accomplishment for me. Thanks for letting me share.

CLDKess

Good luck!!!!

I also, at times, lack motivation to get myself in gear!!! I have found that once I start doing something it gets easier to keep doing it.

Keep positive! I'm proud of you

bemott

Yes, huge deal. You should be really proud of yourself. Not easy at all to fight the depression and trust and listen to the healthy side of yourself. The more you do it, the more you will be able to do it and the better you will feel. Rock on!!!

SunnyAndrsn

Great job! I wish more people would be understanding to how mental health issues affects our physical self.

Be very, very proud!

tsmith8

Great job! It is definitely an uphill battle with mental health issues.

jzammetti

YAY!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!

I can so relate - do you medicate your condition? I don't deal woth bipolar, but I do face bouts of serious depression at times. I also have no insurance so I cannot afford my $400/month meds. SO, I have begun taking St. John's Wort and it truly is as effective for me as my prescription (and only $30 per 90 days). I am not saying you should take any particular drug/supplement, but I do think the right med can help with all of those symptoms.

natesangel

WTG!!!! i'm right there with you, hypomania with severe depression and this is a big NSV! congrats!!!

StinkyWinkies

Excellent for you! You *should* be proud of yourself...keep going!

GurleyGirl524

Great job! Definately a victory!!

juliette28

WOW! I'm so glad you wrote... It really is a huge accomplishment that you were able to push past all the lethargy and despair that comes along with a depressive episode. CONGRATS!!! Keep up the great work! You can do it! :flowerforyou:

Gizziemoto

Great job! I have bipolar and have found that even on my bad days making myself just take a 10 minute walk helps. You have every right to be proud of this NSV and I am proud of you too!

75Juniper

Way to power through! It's hard enough when a person is dealing with lack of motivation, never mind also struggling with bipolar or depression. I can't imagine how difficult that was for you to make the decision to get up and exercise. You should be so proud! :flowerforyou:

bushidowoman

I understand! Big pat on the back, and way to go!

katie070563

Be really proud of what you have achieved...amazing so far. I have depression, so I understand what you have said. Good luck and keep going

LordByproduct

Great job! i can relate and i find your post inspiring.

LovePBandJ

Great Job! That is a huge NSV! Probably one of the best! We all have to learn how to make this lifestyle change and make it stick during life's regular ups and downs. Depression is a tough one! I know I've dealt with it, poorly, and I packed on the pounds. I had to hire a trainer to get me going when I wasn't able to motivate myself.

This journey is not just about the scale and weight loss, it is about finding new ways to work with the body God has gifted us.

shoshi68

I have depression and anxiety. Thank you for your courage to share about your challenges. I am so impressed with you taking on the challenge of being more healthy, and congratulations to you for listening to the optimistic, positive voices.

oohmercyme

HuRRaH for you

AllonsYtotheTardis

That's awesome - proud of you!! I know how hard it is to ignore those depressive voices inside my head - You did great today!

MrsPong

Great job! I wish more people would be understanding to how mental health issues affects our physical self.

Be very, very proud!

I agree. Its hard to explain it to people... but you did a great job. I always give myself a little YAY when I go to the gym when I just wanna lay around and do nothing... I feel better after...but its the going part thats hard!

blueimp

That is huge! Congrats to you.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Well done you.

MsNewBooty83

that is a big deal. glad u feel better for it. maybe it will give you some peace of mind to know u have control over your body no matter what ur mood says. good on ya

Crisitunity

Just wanted to say that I read your post and congratulations! That's a very positive thing to do!

RedHotHunter

Thank you for sharing. I know that is a huge acommplishment when dealing with depression. Hats off to you and sending a big hug from afar. :flowerforyou:

krithsai

You did yourself a HUGE favor by both working out and writing this out. I am sure the rest of your day is going to be energetic and happy

WarriorReady

That is a huge NSV! Great work, Bud! Keep it up and keep focusing on your positive side! Yay!! :happy: :drinker:

strawberrytoast

its only you who makes your decision whether its a good day or a bad day- SO everytime picture the wee devils sitting on your shoulder, white good one always wins and knocks off evil red one who says sit and do nothing (plus it may make you smile) give them names lol

Now that i sound crazy WELL DONE!! Always tell yourself you'll feel better if you do it/do something and keep coming on here if you can x

5pmsomewherenow

First of all, you write very eloquently, and I'm glad you took the time to share these feelings. I especially liked the way you described not wanting to let your own "positive half" down. The way you explained to yourself and to us really resonated with me. I am proud of your NSV - it's one of the best victories I've heard about on this site - hopefully you are just as proud of it and can use that good feeling the very next day you face a struggle with the motivation adventure that we ALL face. You are a hero, and a great example to remember when we each need an extra non-scale-push-in-the-right-direction. Thank you.:flowerforyou:

clutterqueen

Good for you! Not only did you show your bipolar who is in control, but by sharing this, you have inspired the rest of us when we may not "feel like" exercising!

Chipmaniac

Thanks for being brave enough to talk about your illness openly. I wish I were so brave. I'm not bipolar, but I suffer from a related condition. Let's just leave it that. Unfortunately, we live in a society that treats people with mental illness in an undignified way. I certainly don't feel strong enough to give people more ammo to belittle me.

I completely understand how hard it is to get motivation at times. Kudos to you for recognizing your accomplishment and using it as a building block for more success. That's the key and often the hardest thing to do.

MichaelaaJ

Just wanted to send a pat on the back and a huge hug! Thank you for sharing. Wishing you continued success and more NSV's just like this one! These are the moments when we make change. Way to power through. Your bravery and determination is awesome!