I enjoy planning trips and getaway weekends. It gives me something to look forward to and something to be excited about. For at least a decade I made plans with my sisters and or my friends to travel. During this time, at least a third of these plans were canceled due to poor mental health. I learned to get insurance on my trips. Most of the time it was a last-minute decision, within a week prior to the vacation. It became hard to make vacation plans with others because they didn't know if I would cancel. Traveling can be stressful for anyone but if you add a bipolar episode, whether manic or depressed, the idea of travel can be extremely anxiety-producing.
Making plans is fun and exciting so I continue to make plans for trips. In the past few years, I have been stable enough to follow through with all my travel plans. Day-to-day and week-to-week plans can also be disrupted due to mental illness. When I make plans to meet with family or friends, like lunch or dinner dates, I try to keep these activities intact even if I am not feeling well. Especially when I am depressed. I tend to isolate myself during depressive episodes. Forcing myself to go out and keep plans frequently helps by being around close friends and family that love me. Sometimes I need to act the opposite and go against my desire to be alone. It usually helps my mood to be around these people.
Take good care,
Christine
I can only please one person a day. Today I choose myself.
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