I am one of those people who use varied coping strategies for my bipolar disorder. I was asked once if I have any unique coping strategies that I could share.
I guess the most unique thing I do is that when I’m having racing thoughts and can’t turn my mind off, I do crossword puzzles to cope with it. They help me to focus and concentrate on something other than my thoughts. I guess you could say that’s pretty unique.
Although I know another woman with bipolar disorder who colors in a coloring book when she has racing thoughts and can’t shut down, and I think that’s even more unique!
I also use my dog as one of my coping techniques. She is a dachsund-hound mix, and very loving. She gives me the unconditional love that I crave, especially when I’m depressed. Also, petting her is therapeutic. Making the same motion over and over again can be very soothing to a bipolar mind. And yes, I do talk to her. I only have access to my therapist twice a month, and never at night, but my Princess is always there to listen to me.
In fact, sometimes by hearing what I say to her, I work out my own solutions. One thing I can say for sure is that using my dog as a coping mechanism for my bipolar disorder does work.
She also keeps me responsible. I can’t just “take a day off” when I have the responsibility to take care of my dog. She needs to be fed and watered, and needs attention and affection. If I can’t get my mind off me, I put my mind on her and her needs, and this usually works (of course, I do this with my husband, too — not to compare him to a dog LOL).
Another coping strategy I use is routine. It helps me to stay in control.
I wake up at the same time every day and go to bed the same time every day. I eat at the same times. I take my medications at the same times. I watch the same shows on TV. I call my mom every day (she is one of my supporters, and has BP as well). I take my shower at the same time, and all my other grooming needs (hair, makeup, nails, etc.). I write in my journal every night and fill out my mood chart every day.
I also go to all my regular appointments, whether I feel like it or not. I told you I see my therapist every other week. Well, sometimes I’ll be thinking that I don’t have anything to talk about, so I don’t want to go, but I make myself go anyway and, sure enough, I talk for 45 miinutes!
I talked about writing in my journal, well, that’s a major coping strategy for me. I don’t worry about grammar and spelling, because no one else is going to read it but me. And I don’t worry so much about whether my thoughts are crazy or not, they just ARE. So I record them in my journal.
If I start to “feel funny,” or not like myself, and/or am worried I might be going into a bipolar episode, I can look back at my journal entries and see if there is a pattern. For example, if I’ve been journaling that I’m depressed for a week, it’s a pretty sure bet that I’m going into a depressive episode, so I take action.
I do something that makes me feel better. For me, any “chick flick” will do! I think I’ve watched “Pretty Woman” about a dozen times! 
Usually when I’m depressed, I tend to isolate. One feeds the other — being too isolated can make me depressed. So I find that in these cases, just getting out of the house for awhile helps.
Work is a big coping strategy for me. Even if it’s just writing my blog, I have to take my mind off myself and think about the people I’m trying to help.
What about you? What are some of your coping strategies (unique or otherwise)?
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
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I have just been diagnosed and I am learning how to cope, it’s a hourly, daily, struggle. So far, I have learned that I too have always needed a routine, structure – school, a particular coffee shop, tv shows, journaling, taking hot baths, all things that I do to give my days a little structure so I feel that I have a little control.
Planning is important, if I feel rushed, or unprepared it often triggers anxiety, negative thoughts, and eventually a depressive episode. I need to develop backup plans so that I won’t worry about things so much.
Getting out my place helps, but I live in a really cold country and I’m afraid that once winter is in full swing, I will be confined to my room and struggle more.
Hi, cece, and welcome to the blog. I’m glad you’re sticking to a plan at the begnning of your diagnosis, because that will make it easier as time goes on.
I feel the same way as you do about being rushed or unprepared, only it makes me really nervous and anxious, but I don’t go into a depressed episode. I’m still guilty of telling myself what I should have done (instead of what I did), though. I’m working on that.
When you can’t get out, try going on the computer to “get away.” It will at least give you a temporary relief. And there are online support groups for BP.
My prayers for continued stability,
Michele