How to Cope With Manic Depression

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By J Lee Kenser
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You can deal with it and even survive through it but above all never give up.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Strive to never quit
Ability to laugh at yourself
Pen & Paper
Computer/Typewriter
Support system (online or off)

Step 1

First you must realize that your not alone there are many others out there who suffer from the same affliction. It often feels like your alone but, believe me your not.

Many others out there online and locally are suffering and with increasing diagnosis of this mental health disease your never going to be alone I guarantee it.

I have survived well over 30 years with it having only been diagnosed for approximately 20 of those years. With and without medications it can be dealt with as long as you pay attention to the world around you.
Step 2

Understanding your triggers both emotional and seasonal is very important to be mentally prepared for those times when your beginning to see the darkness come. You can get through it and yes, I know it doesn't seem like it.

Those triggers such as songs that incite memories, smells, weather, often people with whom your not able to get along with. These can vary moment to moment and even other environmental issues such as chemicals you work with can inflict triggers that may make your symptoms worse

Learning to both adapt and even avoid some may help you keep out of danger and in a more healthy light.
Step 3

Celebrate those things that make you different instead of trying to hide them all the time.
Hiding them can be more stressful and and cause more mental anguish than is necessary in many cases
Dealing with your own demons is hard enough without adding to the issue by being afraid to accept your own inadequacies or making the best of your situation
Step 4

Writing, drawing, singing, playing with kids or pets can often release the tension allowing you to be more of you that you may have been before.

Many manic depressives often feel an insatiable need to be creative and in history there have been many who were very creative and famous but, were not able to control it succumbing to the disease. This does not have to happen to you.

Some that have been famous and survived this dreadful disease to lead productive and reasonably happy lives :
Jane Pauley
Patty Duke
Carrie Fisher
Maurice Benard
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Step 5

The best way to survive and maintain a more positive and active life is be able to utilize your resources and support system to benefit you and those around you.

The stigma may still be there but, it doesn't have to ruin your life if you don't let it. As more and more people come forward it has become a more accepted issue in one's life.

The main idea is this: Never give up, Never give up, Never give up!

When all else fails you have to keep on driving through the issues and strive to at least smile once a day even if your only laughing at yourself.
Step 6

Get a good nights sleep but, avoid over sleeping as your body will only feel more down if you fail to get out.
Buying a daylight bulb is a plus to avoid over sleeping during the day when you have nothing else to do.
Napping is acceptable within moderation
Avoiding alcoholic beverages will keep you out of the dark side, trust me on this one!

Comments

sluna75 said

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on 5/28/2009 9 years ago I was admitted to the hospital for depression and being suicidal. It is a struggle to move past it and keep going. In my case, I refused to take any drugs to help me. I knew I would have to be on them for the rest of my life, and I just didn't want that. I can really relate to the tips in this article. Well written and 5 star.