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What to do when you are sad.
I really need to get out of my head for a little while. I was wondering what types of things you do to keep your mind busy. I don't want to do anything, but at the same time I don't want to do nothing. oy. I appreciate any comments in advance.
I took up yoga and that has helped. Walking is another option. Are you on any medications or OTC's?? Do you have a diagnoses? What age are you??
I have been diagnosed as bipolar I. I am on invega, lamictal, zoloft, and trazadone. I also take omega-3, vitamin d, B-12 and a daily multivitamin. I am 26.
My husband is bipolar and some days it has been hard for him. He turned to art (his talent) and that has helped some. Keeping busy seems to work for him as well. Sitting and dwelling on sadness is self-defeating. Do you have a therapist. That seemed to help him as well. He only went once a month, but I could see it helped him to talk to someone who was vested in his maintaining his sanity and could be objective. Keeping friends was hard, but he is older and at your age I hope you have some that you can do things with. Bipolar can be so isolating and maintaining friends tough.
Do you like to walk or excerise can be a drag but being in the sunshine, and excersise kicks the feel good chemicals. although i notice if i work out to much or to hard i get a little manic. but it really helps lift the fog it is just hard to get going.
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I also have some hobbies. I've taken up jewlery making and that is very rewarding. You can usually have something that you've made in a day or two. It is pretty simple as well. You need flat nose pliers, some wire, some crimp tubes or crimp beads, and of course beads, and then you can get started. If you want to go simple and really easy you can buy elastic cord and all you need to know to use that is how to tie a knot (although put some Krazy Glue on the knot or you will end up with beads all over the place). Don't use big beads though as the weight will break the elastic cord. I like using stones so I have to go with metal.
I also do some abstract painting. My hands shake, part hereditary part medication, so I can't do fine work. I find immersing myself in an art project will really help my moods. Sometimes it is really hard to get motivated to start though. When I am really anxious I crochet. I have my 'breakdown' blankets. The only time I finish blankets is when I have a breakdown, thankfully I haven't made any blankets recently!
I have a good friend that makes collages to show how she feels. And all you need for that is some kids glue, some magazines, and a piece of paper. Under $10.
The biggest thing is to do something. Here is my 'do something' list: Walk to the drug store and look around, go to 7/11 and buy a pop (okay that isn't good for me but it gets me out of the house), walk to the library, phone my sister or someone else that can carry the conversation if I am not really talkative, write in my journal, read a book, listen to music (I start with what my mood is and then gradually get to peppier songs), clean the toilet, have a long shower, go on internet forums, blog, write my email pen pals, make jewelry, paint a picture, bake something, play with the dog (that one inevitably cheers me up - he is a really cute little dog. I swear he can smile!), go to the coffee shop and order something nice. I like steamed milk with a bit of mint flavoring. When I was at my most nuts I would go and sit in the coffee shop for hours. I found it soothing when the four walls of my appartment were closing in on me. If you can't afford a dog (expensive little creatures) my friend really enjoys watching her fish. Much cheaper than a dog. I think you can get a Beta fish for $7 and they are beautiful to watch and need a small container to live in.