How to cope in a depressive episode in bipolar disorder?

Hi @remgriffin‍, thank you for sharing what you've been going through. I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling so down and alone. Let me tag some other members who can possible share some advice or support.

Hi everyone, how are you doing? Can anyone share how you cope when you're in a depressive episode? What does it feel like for you? What helps you to get through it? Is there anyone you turn to like a therapist or a friend?
@Amandalkeil‍ @SchwiftyT0725‍ @Phyllis0915‍ @janeice723‍ @DerbinskyY‍ @RebeccaT‍ @sandyjek‍ @Emsaco420‍ @Jessicalynn‍ @Jsjones1959‍ @Dizzygirl‍ @Purpleherb64‍ @ahess24‍ @Villanewifey20‍ @veronicajust‍ @ScotsmanBob‍

Feel free to share any words of advice or support here, we're all here to support one another!

Take care,
Courtney

During a depression bipolar I shut down.I want to be alone don't want to talk nothing.I tell my husband I don't want to talk about it.I shut everyone out.Lately my depression is worse.I don't laugh or smile,I never feel happy even when I an doing what I want.I am learning how to cope in my own ways.Lots of times I will get the carpet steam cleaner out and clean the carpet in the bedroom because it's loud enough that I can block everything out it seems to calm me.

Blocking everything out with sound.... Thank you. That gives me ideas. Like listening to white noise over headphones. Imma try that

@Courtney_J I'm sorry you're feeling so poorly. I've been there but what I do involves just being alone, quiet, and do whatever feels good physically. Rest, sit somewhere you love. Maybe the garden. I've always vegged out to the tv to stop thinking about things. Go for a walk. Go to the local animal shelter and hold a kitten or doggo. I love sipping on a good cup of coffee. Go to the movies. Don't feel pressure to talk "happy". Treat yourself kindly and well. Unless you can find someone who really understands what you're going through or has been there, try to avoid anyone who will tell you what you should be grateful for or to just cheer up. Hopefully your husband can understand that this is temporary even if you feel it will be forever. Get as much sleep as possible. Ask everyone to just let you be and if cleaning makes you feel good do it! Don't feel obligated to do anything than isn't absolutely necessary. If you can't cook, don't. If you can afford it, have food delivered or tell everyone they are on their own. Have groceries delivered if you must. I get paralyzed when I'm that depressed. I don't speak to anyone unless absolutely necessary. If your husband is having trouble understanding maybe he can go to group or counseling so he can understand that when you are this depressed you need to take care of you and only you until this passes. When I get this way I feel like its going to be that way forever. Call your doctor to see if you can get a different or additional antidepressants. Take care