Tips for Handling Depressive/Manic Episodes?

I have a few days warning usually because my anxiety will be terrible (I think that is what triggers the episodes). So, I try my best to relieve that anxiety. I do my best to get sleep, self care, take my meds, get outside, get a rest for myself l, etc. If I’m already manic, I make sure that I eat and sleep to the best of my ability. Like set alarms for mealtimes if you have to. I try to not just get sucked in on one activity and do a variety of things. Avoid caffeine during mania. Try to set firm limits on your behavior and focus on the negative consequences of your potential actions. It helps if you think about those when you are not manic and brainstorm things to tell yourself/safety strategies. For depression, I talk to my partner/friends, try to take care of myself, and use tv to distract myself when things get really bad. I try to memorize positive moments as they happen and create a perfect mental image of it. In good moments I focus on every visual detail and try to memorize everything I can. Then I focus on sounds, smells, feelings. I memorize it all and replay those memories during low moments. They don’t always feel real but I know they are mine and it makes it a little easier to remember that things will get better. Bucket lists are also good. So like places you want to go, things you want to do, unfinished stuff, goals, anything that gives you purpose or hope or anything that makes you want to stay alive. Even if they don’t feel that meaningful during really tough moments this can be enough to give me enough pause and strength to get through things. Hope this helps!

I just tell my wife how I’m feeling. She helps me stay safe. Psychosis-involved episodes are another story…. Really hard to catch…. And the only thing that can stop one of those for me is cannabis.

I try to take care of myself in addition to meds. Like I'm sober now because alcohol and drugs spike my episodes. I try to avoid getting overstimulated because it makes me paranoid. I exercise because it helps my energy

Me personally i tell the people closest to me so i have people that can help watch out for me but also at the same time they'll give me space. They just make sure I don't do anything dangerous