Stuck in a rut with poor mental health

LegacyUser

Hi, I'm 27 years old with poor mental health (bipolar) currently going through a depressive episode which has made it impossible for me to work, I'm attending a day programme. I have no zest for life, no career, no partner,no money, not a significant part of any bodies life. Feeling very stuck in a rut, I broke up with my ex 2 years ago and I'm still missing him so much, I was very depressed at the time, I thought it was my relationship that had me miserable but it wasn't that I just didn't know I was depressed So I broke up with him. I'm constantly thinking what if we were still together. He has moved on and that's hard for me to see. I am on medication and I think I'm over medicated but I just do what I'm told although I do believe it is the reason I'm still here. My life just evolves around my mental state, it's very hard. How do I get out of this rut?

via4

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Well done on attending the day program by the way. Right now it feels like each section of your life nothing is going right. The good news is the only way is up from here. I know you were saying you can't work at the moment but I honestly believe a job is what keeps us all sane at times. If your busy during the day it can distract us from our worries. It doesn't solve our issues but yIt can take our minds off them. The way to get out of this rut is baby steps. You are the only one that can take yourself out of this rut which is hard I know but it will be worth challenging yourself. At the moment you feel like you have no purpose in life but it important now to do somethin nice for yourself and be good to yourself. The weather is lovely get out for a walk today try and meet up with a friendly face. Sitting in the house will leave you worse trust me.
Next write down all the areas of your life that you need to work on. Make it like a little project for yourself for the next month. Do fun things try not too look at the big picture your putting yourself under too much pressure.
For example I'm in process of changing my hair colour to cheer myself up. Small little things can make a difference. I can get down sometimes on a Friday evening so I went to the hairdressers instead of. Sitting overthinking. I'm learning a new language at the moment to become a translator on the side of my job.
Things are picking up job wise I think going out and working and having the craic with work mates customers is what keeps people going.
I hope I'm not overwhelming you here x
So let's see for today lets make a plan for you: walk to the shops get some good and come home and cook your favourite meal. This will kill an hour and two then come back and let us know how your feeling. What do you think xxx

LegacyUser

Hi via4,

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, you're very kind. I have read what you said and you make a lot of sense. I have started looking for work again but I am looking for part time work which is hard to find. I've been on a walk every day but on my own, I don't really have friends I can meet up with, when you treat them so poorly by not responding to messages and ignoring them because you want to be alone they eventually get fed up and out of the picture. I did what you suggested yesterday, I went to the supermarket, bought a nice piece of steak and had a good dinner, something I haven't done in a while. I didn't go to the day service today, I felt too bad but you're right it feels better when you keep on the go, I should have gone because today was just a right off. Hopefully things will pick up soon.

Thanks again for your help.

Meeoow

Have you tried meetup. There are loads of activities from walking to going out to concerts.
Or volunteering. Look up local papers to see what's happening. I have been on a few days cutting gorse and non native plants up the mountains. It's a good way to meet people and pass a few hours.
Good luck and keep well!

westernlass

Girl crew on Facebook is another great place to meet friends

dar100

Are you with a psychiatrist? If so discuss medication, it can take many try's to get the right dose, combination etc.

Linking in with a therapist for additional support is something you should really consider. A therapist with expertise in CBT would be best, also interpersonal and social rythem therapy.

Try sleep at the same time every night, keep a good solid routine, as both these things can put you out of sink and affect your mood!!

Relationships can also trigger mood swings!! When you feel the burst of energy come from a manic episode don't run with it, maybe try some meditation