One Day At A Time!!!

[Fleshntears]

I wanted to take a moment to kinda introduce myself and offer a little insight to my mind since May is mental health month. My name is Amanda, I'm 34 and recently just got back to work from a brief stint in a psychiatric ward. I actually spent my birthday in there. I have three beautiful (2 teens, 1 a preteen) girls and have been married for almost 15 years. I spent most of my life battling some deep rooted demons, more commonly known to the world as bipolar disorder, anxiety and manic depression. I have been struggling with them hard this year, and was deep into a six month depressive state. Finances were bad (we hadn't fully recovered since my husband lost his job) I gained forty pounds (ontop of my already 260lb frame) my kids were at eachothers throats (teens what more can I say) and I lost a promotion at work (to someone who seemed more qualified on paper than me, but in reality I'm showing them what to do) I was just having a very rough time, stuck in this rut and just couldn't get out of it. I reached a breaking point (literally) right after my mothers birthday on April 24th, I physically felt broken, my mind refused to let me believe anything any one said, every bad thought or doubt in my mind took over. Long story short (well as short as I can make this without oversharing too much) I did my time in the ward, got on some new medication, found a good insurance company that is helping me to get back to a decent weight and health by providing me things like this fitbit and app, along with a scale and major support (something I can honestly say I don't have much of) So basically I'm trying to battle my demons One Day At A Time....first by coming here and introducing myself, second by having medications that calm them down so I can think rationally, and third by starting a journey on a better, happier and healthier me. So for those of you with me so far, Thanks for reading this long post and I hope you follow me on one thing if nothing at all. Take your life One Day At a Time...set small goals and accomplish them even if it is just getting out of bed that day....I can do this and so can you!!!! 

Lots of Love    ~A

[WendyB]

Thanks for sharing!  Good advise!

[MarciM]

Hi @Fleshntears Welcome to the forum and thank you for sharing your story. I hope you find tips, support and new friends here. Best of luck on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. 

[emili]

@Fleshntears .. your post wasn't long, it was beautiful and honest. And your screen name... says it all. I think you will get yourself where you want to be. I think it will take days and lots of support wherever it comes from, but you will do it and your girls will be with you through it all. Good luck in your journey and please keep investing time in yourself. 

[JungleGymJam]

I appreciate your sharing of your experience. I'm glad the fitbit device and community are part of the mix to create and maintain mental strength where it was hard to come by not that long ago. 

I understand the importance of the right medicine to create a baseline from which you can motivate yourself to get the exercise, fresh air, sunlight, nutrition and rest you need in just the right balance. And we're all here to cheer you on. 

[LunaRaine]

As someone who struggles with extreme anxiety, stress, and feelings of depression I am definitely happy that you received the help that you did. I hope that you continue to improve and though it will never fully go away I pray that you find the comfort and support that you definitely deserve. No-one should have to go through those moments, especially alone. It is inevitable but again I am so happy that you found help and are trying hard to get back to a good place. Continue to improve, you have this. 

[Joepaddle]

Hello i can’t tell you how much I can relate with your post.!Some days it’s one day at a time some days it’s one minute at a time.Ive been blessed with Bi polar disorder est.1987 throw in alcoholism and drug addiction at 17 years old and Whoo hoo.Ive seen those psych doors open for me a few times.Its a crazy cycle.I tried to outrun my bi polar disorder I tried to drinking  it to death I tried drugging it. I did exactly what it didn’t want me to do..accept it!! 16 years with out a drink or drugs.Trust me those two still sit in the backseat always present always fearful.Now it’s keep a buckle on the devil and my eyes on the road.One day at a time!!!Thank you Keep up your good work you deserve it.

[atenaa]

Hi, I understand you so much. Those days the only thing that helped me was a game from an official site and it really drew me away from my problems. Just want to wish you a lot of force and luck

[903tracker]

Can you see your bipolar cycle with your fitbit?  If you look at your resting heart rate over a 1 month or 3 month period, can you see it?  I'd upload an image of what the cycle can look like in fitbit, but it's not letting me upload images at the moment

[Joepaddle]

Fortunately for me I’ve been more manic than depressed.My heart rate fluctuates from 48 to 53 I’ve had my Versa for 1/12 years and my my stats are the same.Life would be a lot easier if we knew when to expect a cycle.Its scary to see how fast anxiety creeps into my brain and takes over.Anxiety sucks.

[..Fiana]

Dear A!

You are such a strong woman! I´m certain that you will get through this a much stronger person. What doesn´t kill us makes us stronger...I´m sorry you lack support from your husband. Why is that? You don´t have to answer me but think about it. If your relationship is bad you will never truly get better if you stay in it. I wish you all the best! Feel fre to add me as a friend. /S

[SunsetRunner]

I know you can do it! Like you said, one step at a time. I hope you find your inner peace. 😉 Have a good one!

-L