Balance
“The drugs make you numb.” How often I’ve heard people tell me this. But when I’m not on them they say, “You’re overly emotional, pull yourself together.” I can’t win, and I know I’m not alone. Balancing one’s mental health and life is like walking on a tightrope, granted life is like walking on a tightrope in general, only with mental illness thrown in, it’s kind of like walking the same tight rope carrying a dozen eggs *one’s sanity at the moment* in a wind storm.
I have found that I can fortify myself against this wind storm by adding a routine and structure to my life. Going to bed at the same time every night seems like a real drag sometimes. And when that is the case I just get up at the same time in the morning instead. Being a student it is sometimes difficult to find the structure you would working a day job. I schedule early morning activities to get me up and out of the house.
On eating, I have found that eating a balanced diet helps to stabilize my moods. I try to eat at regular intervals in the day, maybe not a meal but at least a snack to keep my body running. I have noticed that when I start to feel paranoid like everyone is out to get me; I probably just need to drink more water. I crave sugar intensely right before a mood swing or illness. I do not necessarily deprive myself of these cravings but I acknowledge them and take better care of myself at the same time. Everyone’s bodies are different. My triggers may not be the same as yours. I have found a food diary very helpful in figuring these things out as quickly as possible. The more balance I can put in my life the more balance I can enjoy in my head.
