Balanced Living
Living a Balanced Life
Balanced living: what exactly does this term mean and how does it relate to living with a mood disorder or other mental illness? When we talk about balanced living we are talking about knowing yourself and your illness and taking whatever steps you can to keep your life and emotions on an even keel. Balanced living may mean taking meds regularly, attending therapy, making sure you have social outlets, keeping your body healthy, and having meaningful work or production in your life. The specific activities you undergo to have a balanced life are your way of taking care of yourself, of valuing yourself and your place in society. Having a variety of activities and options for self-care increases your quality of life and that's the bottom line for all of us, whether or not we have a mood disorder or other mental illness. Many MDA members attend our support groups, volunteer, have paid work and have social connections. Many of our members are just putting these things in place. No matter where you are in your illness, from pre-diagnosis to several years on medications, you can enhance your life. For more information on Work, Money, or Volunteering click on each link.
Lifestyle
When we refer to lifestyle changes we are talking about the things most everyone has heard about and that we are sometimes resistant to. Appropriate diet and exercise, following a regular medication plan, pursuing hobbies and interests and getting enough sleep are all tried and true methods to help us live a fuller, healthier life. For people with mood disorders or other mental illness these methods are critical. Routine, as well, is highly important to those of us living with mood disorders. When our schedules are interrupted by out-of-the-ordinary events or even a string of late nights, we can ‘feel’ it. Maybe our mood drops, we feel tired or overwhelmed and then other things can start to slip. Self care is critical to balanced living.
Personal Stories
You can read stories from our contributors by clicking Personal Stories. It is likely you will find guidance, support, suggestions and comfort from reading about others who have faced the challenges and joys you may also have experienced. You may find yourself represented in someone else's story. If you have a story for our website please Contact Us and choose Submit My Personal Story.
Balanced living: what exactly does this term mean and how does it relate to living with a mood disorder or other mental illness? When we talk about balanced living we are talking about knowing yourself and your illness and taking whatever steps you can to keep your life and emotions on an even keel. Balanced living may mean taking meds regularly, attending therapy, making sure you have social outlets, keeping your body healthy, and having meaningful work or production in your life. The specific activities you undergo to have a balanced life are your way of taking care of yourself, of valuing yourself and your place in society. Having a variety of activities and options for self-care increases your quality of life and that's the bottom line for all of us, whether or not we have a mood disorder or other mental illness. Many MDA members attend our support groups, volunteer, have paid work and have social connections. Many of our members are just putting these things in place. No matter where you are in your illness, from pre-diagnosis to several years on medications, you can enhance your life. For more information on Work, Money, or Volunteering click on each link.
Lifestyle
When we refer to lifestyle changes we are talking about the things most everyone has heard about and that we are sometimes resistant to. Appropriate diet and exercise, following a regular medication plan, pursuing hobbies and interests and getting enough sleep are all tried and true methods to help us live a fuller, healthier life. For people with mood disorders or other mental illness these methods are critical. Routine, as well, is highly important to those of us living with mood disorders. When our schedules are interrupted by out-of-the-ordinary events or even a string of late nights, we can ‘feel’ it. Maybe our mood drops, we feel tired or overwhelmed and then other things can start to slip. Self care is critical to balanced living.
Personal Stories
You can read stories from our contributors by clicking Personal Stories. It is likely you will find guidance, support, suggestions and comfort from reading about others who have faced the challenges and joys you may also have experienced. You may find yourself represented in someone else's story. If you have a story for our website please Contact Us and choose Submit My Personal Story.
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