Topic Tuesday // World Bipolar Day with Bipolar Australia // Tues 29th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[tyme]

@Delicatessen , in following tonight's conversation, I think a key take away is that when things are not so right, it is the illness, and not the person. For you, 'having found a new normal' sounds incredible.

[Moodwisehub]

@Delicatessen I think sometimes people are more drawn to creative activities and they find fulfilment in those activities so they naturally increase their creative skills.

I'm not entirely sure what the answer is to your question but maybe it has something to with increased empathy and a deeper spiritual connection.

[Delicatessen]

I don’t have a support network except for my understanding and empathetic doctor. Else it’s seen as weird so I don’t talk about it.

[cloudcore]

Thanks for joining us @Olga 💛

[Moodwisehub]

Question 5: What are the self-management or whole-of-wellbeing activities you can add to your recovery plan? @cloudcore 

Recording moods is useful for noticing patterns, triggers, and relapse signs. An early warning sign or trigger for one person, may not be the same for someone else. Mood monitoring can help with identifying an onset of a mood episode, or help with general wellbeing, and quality of life.

Here is an example of a mood diary you can use at home:
https://tinyurl.com/yc3ejjc2

You can also download a free bipolar mood tracker app:
https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/bipolar-uks-mood-tracker-app

Self-management are strategies an individual can do to help themselves. Self-management techniques include:

• Being surrounded with positive social support.
• Engaging in simple pleasurable activities such as walking and other forms of relaxation.
• Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
• Journaling
• Art
• Music
• Spending time in nature
• Spending time with pets
• Meditation 

Smiling Mind is an example of a free meditation app you can use.
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

You can also use online self-assessment to see whether you may have bipolar disorder.

Here are two we recommend:

• Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/bipolar-self-test/
• Mental Health America - https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/bipolar/

Some people may find support groups helpful.

Here is a link to a list of support groups around Australia.
http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/services-directory/wpbdp_category/support-groups/

[tyme]

Most definitely, @HungryHippo . Then again, if boundaries are not in place, neither party wins.

Boundaries are a safety measure. 

I really resonate with what you have said about giving too much of yourself and not being about to say, no. I found I did that too. Now I'm learning that saying 'no' is a part of self-care and self-preservation.

tyme

[SusanaBA]

Question 5: What are the self-management or whole-of-wellbeing activities you can add to your recovery plan?

Psychologists like Greg Murrary are publishing really amazing self management plans. The plan covers socialising, exercising, taking medications and regulating eating and sleeping. 

Painting, singing and listening to music all help me manage. Being close to the ocean is part of my personal therapy. Nature does wonders to soothe and calm my mood. Meditation and mindfulness is also important to exercise so you can stay in the present moment. 

@HungryHippo @Delicatessen @Quilly @Jacques @Olga What has worked for you with self management? Have you used a recovery plan before?

[cloudcore]

It's so great to hear that you have found a treatment that has helped you @Quilly 💛

[Quilly]

my psychologist is essential in the role of mentoring me to learn

[cloudcore]

Question 6: Where can carers go to find more information to support a loved one? @Moodwisehub @SusanaBA