Are you bipolar or an addict looking for insight from a like-minded soul? Have a loved one suffering from bipolar or addiction and want some inside advice? While I’m not a doctor or medical expert, I can tell you about my experiences with this dual diagnosis and look to support others with replies. Note that your submission may be used in an upcoming blog post, although names will be changed.
This week Jonathan D. writes:
How do you make yourself feel better when you’re just having a really bad day? The weight of the world is on my shoulders.
Hi Ashton. Thanks for the question. It’s a very difficult one.
What kind of a bad day are you having? Is it a depressed day? An angry day? A lonely day?
When you’re depressed, as I’m sure you know, you don’t feel like doing anything. You lie on the couch and stare at the TV. You’re bored and feel like you can’t move. But you can.
I’m not the best role model when it comes to coping with bad days. Oftentimes I will take a nap, but that’s just an easy way out. However, I find that any of these five action steps can help relieve the pain of a bad day.
- Go for a walk.
Walking helps immensely. When I was in the thick of a deep depression back when I lived in New York, I went for frequent walks around the block every day. Because when you’re depressed, every day is a bad day. Even if you don’t feel like going for a walk, do it. Once around the block even suffices. It makes you feel like you did something.
- Be social.
Try to be around people and not isolate. Facebook doesn’t count. If you can meet a friend for coffee or a meal, that’s a good idea. If not, call someone you know you can vent to. I often call my mom when I’m in this situation.
- Go to a meeting.
If you are in a 12-step program, go to a meeting. I was having a bad day yesterday and then I went to a meeting of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous – which is for those of us with mental illness and addiction – and I immediately felt better afterwards.
- Entertain yourself.
If you can do it, throw on some of your favorite music or watch a movie. Try to avoid anything depressing though as it could just exacerbate things.
- Take a hot bath.
The sound of the water is therapeutic and you’ll feel all warm and cozy afterwards.
We all have bad days – especially for those of us with bipolar. A song is in my head today that is relevant to your situation. It’s called “Hundreds of Ways” and it’s by Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes. The lyrics go: “There are hundreds of ways to get through the day, so you just find one.” Find a way. You can do it!
Watch the video below of Conor Oberst performing “Hundreds of Ways” on Letterman.
