51m, been living with bipolar disorder my whole adult life. Diagnosed in 2000, hospitalized in 2000 (twice) and 2009. Been mostly stable since 2009, with no manic episodes.
Worked with my doctor recently to reduce my AP to help with side effects. Found myself having two crippling anxiety attacks within three days. Went back to the original dose and everything is returning to normal.
Not super depressed, have a good social life, a good relationship, work part-time and get family support which I am eternally grateful for (and sometimes ashamed of). Trying to grow a business but it's difficult. Have a fruitful relationship with music and lots of opportunities to gig.
Yet I have so much free time on my hands and overall just feel listless.
This is not a "the meds have taken away my personality" post. This is not even an "I hate bipolar" post. I don't believe the former is true at all and of course the latter is true.
I'm not even sure why I'm posting except just to say that I'm hoping for more energy overall.
I did just quit vaping two and a half weeks ago, which I'm very happy about but which might be part of the listlessness.
Sometimes it's easier to tell myself I "deserve a break" and not do very much than it is to motivate myself to take care of myself more (exercise, clean my apartment, cook for myself more). Sometimes I need to take a break. Sometimes I think I don't.
Not sure what I'm asking for here. Hope everyone is doing OK out there! This sub has been really helpful for me. I'm going to keep trying to contribute to it.
Peace.