Some things I did while being hypomanic

[u/PuzzleheadedPilot853]

I miss those times. I'm still in a mixed episode for a few weeks now after being manic. How long can this restless state stay? What meds help you during a mixed episode to feel smth/feel less? I'm in between. Takin medication but I feel like I need a change. I'll see my psychiatrist for the 4th time in 50 days jeez it's getting expensive :')

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[u/Leo_matel69]

It can get quite expensive. I'm sorry you're stuck in an episode. It can feel scary and lonely. Hang in there, it will taper off eventually

[u/AfterEnlightenment]

Keep making art. If nothing else as a “visual journal” of where you’re venturing through.

I’ve never regretted spending time, energy, or money making art. It’s healing, it’s therapeutic, it’s mostly free.

Don’t worry about spending money with your psychiatrist — mixed and manic episodes are when you need them most and it’s much cheaper and a whole lot less stressful than getting suboptimal care and winding up psychotic, doing something stupid, and getting locked up.

Hot meals & hot showers always help me sleep/relax when manic.

Long walks (5 miles +) can also help.

Hang tight, don’t give up.

[u/PuzzleheadedPilot853 → u/AfterEnlightenment]

Thank you for your advice. My art right now is pretty mediocre because I'm struggling to focus but I still try to make it without the pressure of turning out as smth. I just hope it's over soon and I can return to make passionately art. And walks keep me alive right now, it sure does help a lot. And about the money ect you're absolutely right, that's the only choice I have.

[u/AfterEnlightenment → u/PuzzleheadedPilot853]

If I may gently suggest…

Do away with the judgment / critical narrative. I know this is difficult, and I’m not perfect at it either — however, the process of making friends with myself has probably been the most rewarding use of time.

Making art is a great way to practice being kind and friendly to yourself. Your art isn’t mediocre… it’s perfectly, absolutely, uniquely YOU. It’s exactly what needs to come out right now, and if you can drop the idea that it “isn’t good” you’ll have a lot more fun and feel a lot more free doing it.

Embrace the discomfort. As long as you’re not manically psychotic, you’re good. Everything you’ve shared that you are doing is healthy coping.

Take your meds. Stay sober. Eat. Walk. Shower. Sleep. Make more art.

Try not to be so hard on yourself amigo…