#89: Creating Your Own Relief Plan (For When Life Won't Let Up)

FROM THIS SHOW…

There are some interesting things that come along with having a bipolar diagnosis for several years. In the early days, it’s all new and terribly unsettling. Things just haven’t worked out for you like you thought they would. But later on, as time goes by and you gain experience there begins to emerge… certain patterns.

Some people chart their mood every hour, whether baseline, inflated, or depressed, along with symptoms and features of this mental illness like irritability. Other people have a lightbulb go on about their particular triggers. Still others can see bipolar cycles and pin them to their environments and the change of the seasons.

But that’s not what today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast is about. Bipolar creates patterns, and the wise and discerning person sees it and tries to break it. And one of the many effective ways to stay ahead of symptoms is to practice the art of regular retreat.

Today Mike shares this critical element of his rapidly-evolving “Relief Plan” for mental health in uncertain times.

Don't miss it!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• Being able to work when you have a bipolar disorder is not realistic 100% of the time. But as you learn how to create relaxation, you can increase your “up-time” (and your income).

• Creating relaxation is hard to do if you haven’t put in a real effort in your recovery journey from bipolar. It will be next-to-impossible to relax like a vacation if you haven’t been working hard on yourself.

• Even if you just have one destination for relaxation, be challenged to go several times per year, if not once per month. Take two nights away from home and all the pressures of life and focus on being in a relaxed state, through reflection and recovery activities.

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.

“Lifers” are special 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) What are your earliest memories of going on vacation?

2) What’s one destination you’d like to visit again as an adult? / How hard would that be to do now?

3) What’s one thing that’s getting in the way of you having a regular mini-vacation like Mike talked about?

4) Where is your “happy place”, like how Mike has his sister’s house? / How soon can you plan a getaway?

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!