Wellness Tips from Peers

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From the September 2011 Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance e-Update
The Facing Us Clubhouse is an online “home” for health and wellness, where consumers who have discovered small ways to make big differences in their recovery can share wellness tips. Visit the Clubhouse to be inspired by your peers… and to pass on some of your own tips for recovery.

Listening to Music
“I try to find time in the morning to listen to music. It calms me for the day. It puts a routine in place, and helps me get started. I have no favorite song; it’s just what I’m in the mood for that day.”

Why Should I Feel Sorry for Myself?
“I was in a DBSA meeting and people were talking about how it wasn’t your fault you had this disease; you shouldn’t be guilty, etc. It occurred to me: being bipolar is the best thing that’s happened to me. Sure it’s been extremely difficult at times, but I have an interesting life story and I was forced to really re-examine my life because of it. Now I only do what I love and think is important.”

15 Minutes
“Tell yourself: I can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes. If anxiety hits me at the office and I don’t know how to cope with a mountain of work—just pick one task and do it for 15 minutes. If the house is a wreck, pick one area and clean for 15 minutes. THEN STOP. Step back. Look at what you did. It may not be finished, but you did something! Be proud! You just kicked anxiety’s butt for 15 minutes. Can you do another 15 minutes? Maybe? If not, it’s okay. Be proud that you made progress!”

A Note About FacingUs.org:
When you visit the Facing Us Clubhouse, you’ll notice that several “rooms” require you to log in or create an account. These rooms allow you to develop personal journals, books, and wellness plans that are uniquely yours. Logging in is a way to access your personalized wellness tools—like pulling your file from a filing cabinet.

To use the Wellness Tracker, visit the Facing Us Clubhouse. Joining is easy and free.

DBSA e-Update is a monthly newsletter produced by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance that highlights news articles, upcoming programs, services, and ways you can become involved. Click here to join DBSA’s mailing list.