I'm really struggling with the work from home situation, especially since I've recently spiraled into a depressive episode. Normally I would have a workplace to help keep me on task and give me a space to compartmentalize my work life, but now it's like everything is all in one place -- my room -- and I'm finding it really hard to stay focused and motivated "at" work. I no longer have to keep up appearances to mask my depression, or at least not like I have to in person. Is anyone else struggling with depressive symptoms, and if so, what are your harm reduction strategies during COVID? Any tips for dealing with mood disorders while WFH? I am faithfully taking my medication (Latuda 80 mg, Depakote 1250 mg) and have a talk therapist finally. I'd say my work performance is really struggling, but I'm also unnecessarily hard on myself during depressive episodes, which makes it really hard to gauge things. #bipolar #wfh #depression
First leave the therapist who recommended to hide the root cause by pills.
The root cause is literally bipolar disorder. I was being hospitalized annually for mania/psychosis prior to getting diagnosed and on meds. No therapist necessary when you're psychotic. ;)
Lol fuck off, why give advice about something you know nothing about? Bipolar disorder is a chemical issue in the brain, and it can be treated very well with pills.
Honestly this is not an ideal strategy, but I harness mania and cram a bunch of work, and then coast doing nothing for a while.
Same. Toxic, exhausting, leads to burn out. I went through a huge manic phase during quarantine and it was bad. Now I have a therapist and a Psychiatrist and things are getting better. Go outside and walk/run every day. Start a journal for mindfulness. Do meditation. It's good. I never mediated because I thought it was silly. Now I do it all the time.
Totally. I am usually most productive while hypomanic too, the meds seem to keep me from full blown mania, it’s really just the depression that sucks for me right now. I’m coasting right now. Thanks for your input peach cloud emojis.
You need to pick up a hobby.
Have lots of sex
Sunlight and outdoors definitely are the way to go. Start doing outdoor activities. Staying in house is getting everyone into depression mode. If you are athletic do some intense stuff like CrossFit,rock climbing, biking in trails etc. if not do hiking, outdoor photography, rc planes etc. Find a different passion and it helps to get you out of depression
Same situation - been taking Lamotrigine, that helps (me)
Every morning I wake up and meet my personal al trainer at 6 or 7am. He boosts all the positive chemicals, and I am forced to wake up and get ready and go (masked and SD’d). Find someone to push you. This jumpstart and routine is powerful. I have to leave the house, as well. The workout center is empty when I go. This process and routine is powerful. Weights, sled, jumps, assault bike etc. Walking is ok, but working this way physically can help with a ton of things. First thing. Everyday. Good Luck!!!
"but now it's like everything is all in one place -- my room --" You don't have to. Try to limit it to 2 of the 5 days, and find somewhere else to work/workout/do other things. Don't fear COVID of course, for it's a hoax.
Hey man, sorry you're getting shitty answers from techbros on Blind. Have you talked to your doctor about lamotrigine? It's pretty low in symptoms, and it's helpful for depressive symptoms. I'm assuming you're living alone. If you have a good relationship with family, have you considered living with siblings/parents during covid, just for company? Family can be tense, so I totally get if it's not something you want to do. If you're not based in a sunny area, have you considered working out of a sunnier place until covid starts clearing up? Seasonal depression mixed with depression from bipolar is a hell of a thing, so getting some sunshine will help with one of those things, at least. It might fuck with insurance, which sucks, but idk your situation, so it might be worth considering anyhow. Depression sucks, especially the bipolar type. Vaccine is around the corner, so here's to both of us hanging in there!! :)
Also, adding on, something like 50% of people with bipolar disorder also have ADHD, which makes it difficult to keep a consistent schedule. Have you talked about the possibility of that with your doctor? There's several non-stimulant medications for ADHD, which don't have the same risk of leading to mania as stimulant medications do.
Not a doctor so my advice doesnt count but I second Lamotrigine. Working out (for me HIIT works best), getting a regular hobby ( i love model making) and having a schedule works magic. I hope you feel better soon.
Start walking or running daily. Do leetcode daily challenge. Wake up early and expose to the sunlight. Get a per if possible. I had same issue and I can see positive changes in myself after doing these.
Thanks, I find walks helpful. Hadn’t thought of leetcode.