Break out of comfort zone

[CRSeaside]

What are the ways you cope with breaking out of your comfort zone? I have BP Ii  & when I was still in the states the only time I left the house was to see my psychologist . I saw him every day for 2 1/2 mos in preparation for coming to Costa Rica where I live part time. He & I had lots of ideas, like taking short walks,going out by pool,playing w dog. Instead I continue to stay in bed. I spent the whole weekend reading posts on this site. My meds have been adjusted readjusted  & more. I feel panic attacks coming ,when I go outside of my comfort zone. I used to love to do watercolors when I wasn't so depressed. My psychiatrist is constantly working to protect me from the mania. Any feedback will be appreciated. Pamela

[CRSeaside]

Hey Larry!
4 days on my taper. BP is a 4. In CA I was a 3 1/2 for 5 months.
In D B P A. We have a ranking  1-10
5 is stable on meds.  My Psycologist is keeping touch w me by eml. He says
You guys are helping me. Is that too awesome or what?? Pamela

[Bubulous]

Way to go hero!!!! lol
I am proud of you.  Keep the momentum going.  In this world of darkness we have to be a shining light so do you and let your light shine bud  :)

Larry

[ROSYouralright]

I'm so jealous!

[CRSeaside]

Sorry for the snafu double post.
Just going to say,no lack of Sunshine here in Costa Rica. We're about 3 hrs from Panama & the equator. Visit!   Pamela

[CRSeaside]

Go outside,I like it. I do spend wayyyy too much time in bed.
I brought a DVD player down to watch funny movies. Player
Broke in my suitcase. Ratz. I'm glad I've no TV here, even
though it sometimes helps distract me. Thanks for your post    

[ROSYouralright]

Sometimes the sunshine helps... Lol.... Trust me! I'm a homebody too...

[CRSeaside]

Go outside,I like it. I do spend wayyyy too much time in bed.
I brought a DVD player down to watch funny movies. Player
Broke in my suitcase. Ratz. I'm glad I've no TV here, even
though it sometimes helps distract me. Thanks for your post    

[ROSYouralright]

WHAT ABOUT BOB! yes, that is a depiction of how it effects some people! Its all about baby steps.... Read posts from your porch instead of bed, read a book or journal in a comfy outdoors spot... Just little things that will get you headed in the direction you wanna go.... One step closer each day and eventually you will be ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!

[weaver71]

I was talking to my daughter about stage fright. She had to do a presentation in her new public school, she was homeschooled up until a few weeks ago. I said to think of those butterflies in your stomach like a sugar buzz. Try to perceive those uncomfortable feelings like snowboarding too fast, or jumping off a cliff into the lake, then they can become energizing instead of paralyzing. She tried it and said it was a blast. I was untreated for BP for 28 years, so I learned to cope in ways like that. I guess that is CBT in a certain respect. If I can't make that uncomfortable feeling fade, I try to think adrenaline and channel it into something productive. It doesn't always work, and may not work for you, but each time it works for me, I find that the situation has changed forever. Starting something and confronting discomfort is often harder than how it feels toward the end or after I have done it. Like a back flip into the lack, if i stand and think too long, I am to scared to do it. I just embrace that feeling and jump. Sometimes I land flat on my back, but it still feels better than just standing there feeling like i already failed.

[CRSeaside]

Guess what? I'm up at the new art studio right this minute!!!!
1st time all year. I have you & the others here to thank for it. I'm sooooo
Happy. Pamela

[CRSeaside]

Hey Larry, thanks for the encouragement.  I haven't seen "What About Bob?"
  One movie I liked is "What the Bleep". It helped me understand some of how the mind works. I have this goal for tomorrow , I'm planning on walking way up to the new art studio . If I can paint some watercolors too.
   You sound so upbeat! Here's wishing you steady winds on your recovery. Pamela

[Bubulous]

I had a hard time coming out of my comfort zone.  I think the walks would help when you are ready to do them.  I walk a lot.  I like to pick up things I find on my walks as well as take pictures.  You are likely doing the best you can so don't beat yourself up but like in the movie "What About Bob", you will have to take baby steps.  I used to do martial arts, work with under-privileged kids and teach but when my mood swings got out of control I lost the ability to do those things anymore.
To replace what I can't do I found things that I could.  I work out now, walk, teaching myself to dance (LOL), and writing poetry.  It isn't easy I know but keep coming back here at least.  In the beginning this placed helped me so much.

Larry