Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored, Bored.....

[theguts]

I have come out of a manic state and am relatively stable, but I am BORED.  I usually like to read, but I can't concetrate on any books.  I like to do crafts, but nothing I have here appeals to me.  I don't know what to do!  Does anyone else feel this way?  How do you combat this?  Am I on the slippery slope to depression again (cause it feels that way)?
Thanks for your help.
The Guts

[Xila31]

Hi,

I get that way and I feel like I'm surrounded by things to do but nothing is interesting. I would say if you are able to try something new. If you are not able to do that right now then maybe just get out of the house. Go for a walk, maybe if it is cold where you live just go to the mall and window shop. Or if it is nice go to the park and just enjoy the day.

I wish I had better suggestions. :(

[theguts]

Thanks for your help!

The Guts

[mags22]

I find that it can be hard to concentrate on reading books as well.  After an episode real concentration takes a while to come back.  Try magazines that you wouldn't normally indulge in, or reading recipe books, comics or wordsearches or things you don't have to do for long periods of time.  

I also like drumming, journaling, finding good quote books and copying my favourite quotes that I find.  Things that are short and sweet.  If you have any coffee shops, convenience stores etc close by that you can walk to, go for a walk just to get a drink, or a quick snack, and then take a different route home.

I can also always fritter away lots of time online:)  try googling the word bored and see what kind of ideas people have come up with:)

[kathy434]

Hi,

Manic high can be very intoxicating and fun, or irritable.  But comming down needs to be done with your doctor's help so he can prevent you from falling into a depression.  Talk with your doctor.  You may need to have your meds tweeked some to stop this feeling of bordom.
You need to develop a plan of action to reach goals you may like to reach in the comming months.  Be precise about how you intend to accomplish a goal.  Like losing weight:  Talk to a dietition about good foods to eat and what to avoid.  Plan an excercise routine, walks around the block, or up a hill and back, and how far you want to walk each day.  Finding a friend or neighbor who would like to join you for walks.  Make meals with smaller portions.  Plan to reward yourself every two months with a new pair of slacks or blouse or shoes to fit your new weight loss goals, and speak positively to yourself all the time.
Consider involving yourself with some volunteer work:  Hospital aids who push patients from one dept to another for tests, or leave the hospital.  American Red Cross and the Chamber of Commerce, doing office work, telephones, taking out the trash, stuffing envelopes, filing. etc., becoming a dog walker for somebody, volunteer with the SPCA, Area Agency for the Aged.  Tutoring people in reading, math, or life skills etc.
When you are bored you must force yourself out of the house and get active doing something that brings you satisfaction.  While shopping can be a temporary stopgap, it is better that you stay away from stores as you may start the temptations to shop irrisponsibly before you know what has happened.
Let me know if any of my suggestions have helped you in any way or not.  You don't want to go into a depression, so definitely contact your doctor about your bordom.  He may tweek your meds to keep you from a continuation downhill.            K

[theguts]

Thank you for all your suggestions.

The Guts

[2009toads]

Hi Guts,

I agree with all the comments above and want to add my experience

I started on Lithium last November and was going through the exact same thing you are talking about.  I called it Lithium flatness or being 'profoundly' normal.  I was bored and was finding it difficult to get excited about anything including my favorite hobby (sailing).  Then something shifted in July with no change in meds and I just started to feel better, my ability to focus and concentrate has gone up and I have more enthusiasm.

So....I guess what I have learned is that when you are on a see saw like I was for the year and half previous it takes awhile for your meds to work and levels to stabilize.  I miss the highs for sure, but I know that the longer I kept up the more I would pay for it when I crashed.... I guess I have adjusted to my new reality.

All the best,

T

[theguts]

Thanks for your experience.  I guess I have to get used to being "normal" again.