Struggling with Mental Illness: Seeking Advice

the biggest catalyst for me to get well in my journey was connecting with a psychiatrist that I felt that I could truly trust. I came to her for help when I was in the middle of a deep dark depression, had just moved back home with my parents, was having suicidal fantasies, and was struggling to regain any control of my life over my compulsion to drink/drug myself into utter oblivion. She's been treating me for 7 years and my progress has been truly incredible... She was someone I could talk to for as long as I needed (her sessions were 1.5 hours and she always naturally ended the session on time without making me feel rushed at all); she was thoughtful and deliberate when considering changes to my medication regime; I could email her at midnight on a Saturday blubbering about my dysphoria and assuring her that I wouldn't kill myself before she answered but I really needed to change my meds, etc. - and she'd email/call me back on Monday and send a new script to the pharmacy so I could adjust things in the moment I absolutely needed to.... Psychiatry is a beautiful thing if you have the right person working with you to help you get on a good track.

Hi! I have Bipolar 2 as well. I know it's super hard to deal with sometimes. One thing you could do is take me time. It's incredibly beneficial. Especially to de-stress and chill out. Try painting or pottery or learn how to sew. Even if you're not good at it, you'll have fun learning. If not, find a hobby that works for you that you know you'll enjoy. Make sure you're in an environment that keeps you calm. Maybe get some strip lights, get an essential oil humidifier, set your bedroom to a comfortable temperature for you, get some blankets and curtains to block out light from the window. Dark chocolate and music also helps me out a lot. I hope this helps and wish you the best 🤍