- Impulses
- These are periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity.
- Feeling quiet and tired:
- Low mood, suddenly you are not interested and you don’t feel like engaging in activities today or for the past few days , changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feelings guilty, and difficulty concentrating.
- You feel like you don’t need to sleep much and you feel full of energy and you are no longer tired.
- It is hard to focus on a task if you don’t like it that much. You find yourself switching between tasks.
- Impulsivity: Impulsivity refers to a tendency to act quickly and spontaneously without giving much thought to the potential consequences. It involves making decisions on the spur of the moment, often driven by immediate desires or emotions, rather than considering the long-term implications or planning ahead.
- Individuals who are impulsive may have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading them to engage in behaviors that can be risky, hasty, or even harmful. This can manifest in various areas of life, such as spending money recklessly, making impulsive decisions in relationships, or acting on sudden urges without considering the potential risks.
- Irritability
Do you sometimes feel Moody and confused with your actions and feelings? Do you feel too emotional about certain things and they press your buttons. When those buttons are pushed they hit on the scars and spots. The truth is sometimes, we are hiding them so well, that we can go through any kind of loop to deny that we ever owned that problem? We are willing to go through any kind of trouble when our impulses come hunting us just because it’s too painful to face those realities. Each of us have a few of those. We could go through years without even touching them once if we are able to find the right group of people that we could well stay away from all those memories. Isn’t that so that all of our emotional states come from our memories?
What if I told you there are ways to separate ourselves from the state of those mind games. I think there is no need to seek labels and call it a diagnostic name. It is harmful when they set a flag on you and make you feel like a sick taboo. We all face challenges every now and then. Except some of us that can achieve many things early in life and they sort of look like Uber humans and can become billionaires and famous geniuses by the age of 40 most of us are trying to figure out this deal. By deal I mean life. What is this all about? Isn’t suppose to come natural to us? Yes, it does. By default we usually know what to do and what is important but society and culture doesn’t allow us to accept and understand ourself. We ought to be a certain way and do certain things. We all ought to play the culture game. We all ought to put on a mask and pretend that everything is good. As a matter of fact everything is naturally good. We just like to feel miserable after into that hole and staying in that mood sometimes. It’s part of the game. That’s how they will leave you alone so you can take a break. But the worst part is, you might never come out of that stage after you fall in. How can I survive? How can I feel good? How can I pick the right partner and keep my partner in a good relationship? What to do about money? How to manage my family and children? How to plan my retirement? Sometimes it all feels like those are just marketing plans for some other businesses. None of those helps and supports feels genuine sometimes. I don’t know. Maybe that is the process of figuring it out or maybe that is just life. No philosophy is needed every time we have to feel something or every time we are trying to make a decision. Are we harnessing our intelligence to your advantage, or is it working against you? Our responses and choices play a pivotal role. Let’s ensure we maintain composure and handle our emotions constructively, avoiding any harmful or irrational behavior. Taking charge of our own well-being is paramount. Let’s steer clear of impulsive actions and instead, deliberately design the path we want to follow. Having said all of the above still I think these are some tools that we could use in our daily and hourly life to feel better. To feel less doubtful and confused. This involves a combination of watching our nutrition, specific behavior habits that should be replaced with the old one and become part off the routine, lifestyle adjustments, and support from our community. Here is what we need to do to feel better. At first it is hard to follow these. Sometimes it feels like non-sense and you don’t feel like going through this. But remember that our brains are monkeys and their job is sometimes to trick us and like to us. We should not be falling in those traps. We have to recognize those and be smarter. As a human being we are superior than the rest of the animals because we are able to use tools. Now the following are the tools that we need to use and then after a while they become second nature. First few weeks are going to be hard work. You need to discipline yourself to follow them,
- Mindfulness Meditation:
- Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. It allows you to observe them without judgment, which can be particularly helpful in managing mood swings.
- Deep Breathing Exercises:
- Deep, controlled breathing can help regulate emotions and reduce stress. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can be particularly effective.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation:
- This involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. It can help release physical tension associated with stress and improve overall relaxation.
- Regular Exercise:
- Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like jogging, yoga, or dancing can be particularly beneficial.
- Establishing a Routine:
- Having a structured daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can help regulate mood and reduce stress.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
- Eating a balanced diet, getting regular sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol can contribute to emotional stability.
- Journaling:
- Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for emotions and help you gain insight into triggers and patterns.
- Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts:
- Cognitive behavioral techniques can be useful in identifying and reframing negative thought patterns that contribute to mood swings and stress.
- Seeking Social Support:
- Talking to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist can provide valuable emotional support and perspective.
- Engaging in Creative Activities:
- Activities like art, writing, or music can serve as outlets for self-expression and emotional release.
- Setting Realistic Goals:
- Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Celebrate your achievements along the way.
- Practicing Gratitude:
- Regularly acknowledging and appreciating positive aspects of your life can improve overall outlook and resilience.
- Limiting Exposure to Stressors:
- Identify and minimize exposure to sources of stress when possible. This could involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or avoiding certain situations.
- Engaging in Relaxation Techniques:
- Activities like progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or listening to calming music can help induce a state of relaxation.
- Using Grounding Techniques:
- Grounding exercises, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, can help bring your focus back to the present moment and reduce anxiety.
- Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are often used to help individuals manage mood swings, improve coping skills, and develop strategies for handling stress and triggers.
- Psychoeducation:
- Learning about the condition and understanding triggers and warning signs can be empowering for individuals with Type 2 Bipolar Disorder and their families.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding substance use, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can help stabilize mood.
- Supportive Relationships:
- Having a strong support system of friends and family can make a significant difference in managing Type 2 Bipolar Disorder.
- Routine and Structure:
- Establishing and sticking to a daily routine can provide a sense of stability, which can be especially important during mood swings.
- Monitoring and Tracking Moods:
- Keeping a mood journal or using a mood tracking app can help individuals recognize patterns and early warning signs of mood changes.
- Avoiding Triggers:
- Identifying and avoiding situations or substances that may trigger mood swings is an important part of managing Type 2 Bipolar Disorder.
- Regular Medical Check-ups:
- Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed.
- Emergency Plan:
- It’s important to have a plan in place for what to do in case of a crisis or severe mood episode.
- Therapeutic Activities:
- Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-expression, such as art, music, or mindfulness practices, can be beneficial.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Substance Use:
- Alcohol and drugs can interfere with medication effectiveness and exacerbate mood swings.
Remember, treatment for Type 2 Bipolar Disorder is highly individualized. What works best for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right combination of treatments and strategies for managing the condition effectively.