Decentering Myself
Woke up this morning feeling less than stellar. I can’t quite articulate it but with bipolar disorder, you have high points and low points. I have bipolar 2 disorder, which means my manic, high points aren’t quite so intense. I have wondered several times over the last week or two if I could be manic and just not realizing it in the moment. How I felt this morning confirms that for me.
I thought it would be nice to do a walkthrough of my coping techniques when I hit a low point like this morning. I ✨decenter✨ myself and this is how I do it-
1. Measured, deep breaths to set up the framework for a calm, collected mind.
2. Reaching out for support. Tell them people in your life that you are struggling, say it plainly so there’s no room for misinterpretation. This puts your loved ones on notice that you may need some extra support, and they may be able to help you skip to feeling better.
3. Focus on an individual you know sees you through a loving lens. This could be a child, a parent, a sibling, a best friend, a coworker, it could even be a regular customer at your place of employment. Imagine what it’s like to see yourself through their eyes.
4. Focus your mind. Meditate, pray, sit in silence for five minutes, do something to bring you to the present moment and force you to stay there.
5. Watch your words. If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend then don’t say it to yourself. The words you speak to yourself will become your inner monologue. When you’re having a hard time it is especially important to only speak kind words to yourself.
Using these rules for myself, and with some help from my support system also, I was able to completely turn my brain around today. These won’t always work to improve your mental state, but if one person benefits from learning about my methods then this post was successful!
#embracevulnerability #unfiltered #Lemon8Diary #letschat #bipolar #mentalhealth #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthtips #mentalwellness #mindset
Bipolar disorder impacts countless individuals, necessitating effective coping strategies. Decentering oneself is crucial in the journey toward mental well-being. Many find solace in deep breathing techniques which enhance mindfulness, allowing individuals to ease the anxiety associated with low moods. Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family members not only fosters deeper connections but also creates a support network that can be invaluable during tough times. One powerful approach is visualizing how loved ones perceive you; this can be transformational in reshaping self-image and fostering kindness towards oneself. Practicing mindfulness, through meditation or simply taking a moment of silence, can effectively ground you in the present. It allows for emotional recalibration, making it easier to access positive coping mechanisms. Furthermore, the inner dialogue we engage in can significantly influence our mental health outcomes. Speaking to oneself with kindness, especially during difficult times, is essential for cultivating resilience. Incorporating these strategies into your routine can help pave the way for a more balanced emotional state, encouraging individuals to share their own experiences and learn from others in the community. As we navigate our mental health journeys together, we can support each other in finding the light amidst the darkness.
This is so perfect for me for whenever I feel overwhelmed thank you for sharing this with all of us. You’re really helping us more than you know. ❤️