#137: Don’t Wait to Address the Weight

FROM THIS SHOW:

When it comes to your physical body, do you feel trapped and weighed down—by actual weight? For someone that has to manage a bipolar disorder—particularly a bipolar 2 diagnosis, with its painfully long episodes of low mood and energy—the answer can contribute to a crippling state of self-loathing and pessimism that is hard to reverse.

But of all the things that seem to “kick start” the wellness equation, getting moving and getting into a better pattern of exercise-shape for everyday strenuous activities (often known as “functional fitness”) is the one that’s actually in your control.

The only issue with weight control is knowing where to start and what to do once you are of the mind to make it happen.

On today’s show, Mike shares real published fitness science and breaks the myths and folklore of what it actually looks like to get your weight to where you’re the proud owner of your body—and not the one stuck with wondering how things can ever change on the scale and in the mirror.

It’s within your reach! 

You don’t want to miss this potent health topic!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• The odds of getting and maintaining a trim (also called “lean” or “toned” or “disciplined”) body are stacked against the person with a manic-depressive diagnosis because of how depression and medical treatments for it wear the mind down and weaken the physical drive required to push yourself to exercise.

• Getting to a place where you know the mechanics of how to “move the dial” on your weight scale is the science of weight management and meaningful weight loss / adjustments. The mechanics themselves are a complex study but thankfully the practice of accomplishing it is quite simple.

• Like any other considerations you have to make for doing life with a bipolar disorder, managing your weight and becoming fit for everyday life is something that’s hard to do in isolation. Don’t start your health journey alone. Find a fitness community you can plug into regularly to keep you forward-focused.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) Do you find any differences in your physical body now than before you began to have symptoms and cycles of manic depression?

2) What is the most distressing thing about your physical body that you wish you knew how to do better for yourself?

3) Was there ever a time in your life where you had a solid exercise routine going? / What allowed you to do that or not do that? 

4) Is there something preventing you from making your physical health (the distinct experience of health when your bipolar symptoms are not present) a priority right now?

5) Where would you start if you wanted to make a real plan to manage your weight?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!